U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States will “run” Venezuela following the military capture of President Nicolás Maduro, outlining plans to deploy U.S. oil companies to take over the country’s oil operations.
Speaking at a press conference and later in a televised address to the nation, Trump said the U.S. would administer Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” is achieved. He added that Washington wanted to avoid a repeat of the political situation that had existed in the country for many years.
Trump also warned of a second wave of military action if Venezuela resists and said U.S. oil companies would be sent in to restore damaged oil infrastructure.
The capture of Maduro has triggered mixed international reactions. While exiled Venezuelans celebrated in the streets of Miami, leaders in the European Union, Mexico, and several other countries condemned the U.S. attack.
The Trump administration has defended the operation as necessary to curb narcotics trafficking into the United States from Venezuela. Trump said Maduro and his wife would “face the full might of American justice” and stand trial in the U.S.
According to Trump, Maduro is currently being transported by ship and is expected to be taken to New York, with a final decision to be made on whether proceedings will be held there or in Florida. Maduro was indicted earlier in the day on charges related to narco-terrorism and other crimes.
Trump accused Maduro of enabling large-scale drug trafficking into the U.S. and fueling gang violence in American cities. He described the military operation as highly successful, claiming Venezuelan forces were quickly overwhelmed and incapacitated.
“It was dark, the lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have,” Trump said, without providing further details. He added that no American service members were killed and no military equipment was lost, although some troops were injured.
Trump and his allies have hailed the operation as a major success, portraying it as the removal of what they described as an “illegitimate” dictator and “narco-terrorist” leader. Trump later told media outlets that the mission was “brilliant,” while acknowledging that the situation ahead could be challenging as the U.S. navigates Venezuela’s future governance.
—Agencies
