Trump Hints at Long-Term U.S. Involvement in Venezuela Following Maduro Ouster

Fri Jan 09 2026 16:02:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump indicated that U.S. control over Venezuela might persist for years after a military operation led to the capture of leader Nicolás Maduro. Opposition leaders express hope for a new democratic phase.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, President Trump stated that the U.S. involvement in Venezuela could extend for years, following the military's action against Nicolás Maduro. Although specifics on future elections remain unclear, Trump's administration plans to manage the country's oil resources and maintain communication with the interim leadership. Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition figures argue that the ongoing developments represent a pivotal shift towards freedom for the nation.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that his country's involvement in Venezuela could last for years.

He told the New York Times that only time will tell how long his administration would oversee the running of the South American nation following the seizure by U.S. forces of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in a raid on Saturday.

Trump also did not say if or when elections would be held in Venezuela to replace the interim government headed by Maduro loyalist Delcy Rodríguez.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado asserted that the ouster of Maduro had set off an irreversible process leading Venezuela toward freedom.

In the interview, Trump described U.S. control over Venezuela's oil resources as necessary leverage over the interim government, citing that the U.S. would be taking oil from the nation with the world's largest proven reserves. He admitted, however, that rejuvenating Venezuela's oil industry would take time due to past management issues and sanctions.

Trump mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in constant communication with Rodríguez, who he recognized as interim leader by the Supreme Court of Venezuela, dominated by Maduro supporters. The administration has also pledged to ensure oil sales benefit only U.S. providers.

While some analysts expected the return of exiled opposition figures following Maduro's removal, Trump expressed doubt regarding Machado's capability to lead, questioning her support and respect within the political landscape.

Amid these discussions, the U.S. Senate voted narrowly to block further military action in Venezuela, a move symbolizing political dissent against Trump’s strategies. However, the resolution may face obstacles in the House and potential presidential veto.

Machado continues to demand the release of political prisoners and insists that future governance should honor the electoral results that favored opposition candidate Edmundo González.