Trump declares US oversight in Venezuela until transition, highlights oil companies’ role in growth
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump, on Saturday January 3, said that the United States will “run” Venezuela following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, during a large-scale overnight US military operation.
Speaking at a news conference in Florida, Trump said Washington would remain directly involved until what he described as a safe and orderly transition could be put in place.
The announcement marked a sharp escalation in US-Venezuela tensions and signaled a direct American role in shaping the country’s future. Venezuelan officials have rejected the US account and condemned the operation as an act of aggression.
Trump outlines Venezuela plan after Nicolas Maduro's capture
Trump said that the US would take charge of Venezuela’s immediate governance to prevent a repeat of what he described as prolonged instability under Maduro.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, the president said, “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition."
He also stated that senior US officials would work with a “team” to oversee the country during a transitional period.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trump said, “It’s largely going to be, for a period of time, the people that are standing right behind me. We’re going to be running it. We’re going to be bringing it back.”
Trump also said that US oil companies would enter Venezuela and play a central role in rebuilding the country’s energy sector.
“US companies will enter Venezuela, spend billions and start making money for the country,” he told reporters, adding that Venezuela’s oil business under the current system had been a “bust.”
He described the arrangement as a “partnership” that would benefit the population. The deal, Trump said, would make Venezuelans “rich, independent and safe.”
He also said that Venezuelans living in the United States would be “extremely happy” with the changes.
Trump said that Rubio and Hegseth would be part of a leadership group working with Venezuelans during the transition.
“They’re a team that’s working with the people of Venezuela to make sure that we have Venezuela right,” Trump said.
He did not rule out continued or expanded military involvement, saying, “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground.”
Trump added that the US would remain present until Venezuela was “put back on track,” though he did not provide a specific timeline for the transition.
Venezuela disputes US claims and condemns strikes
Venezuelan officials disputed the US account of the operation and condemned the strikes as a violation of international law.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said that the government did not know the whereabouts of Maduro and Flores. “We demand proof of life,” she said.
Venezuelan state media reported that Maduro condemned what he described as a “grave military aggression,” saying the strikes violated the United Nations Charter.
“This is an attack against the sovereignty of Venezuela,” Maduro reportedly said, according to The Miami Herald.
The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency and ordered national defense plans to be implemented.
