PALM BEACH, United States — In a landmark announcement, President Donald Trump declared the United States would assume administrative control of Venezuela pending a political transition, following a successful military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power. The unprecedented statement came during a press conference where Trump outlined sweeping changes to Venezuela’s governance and economic structure.
Trump confirmed US forces remain prepared to execute “much bigger” additional military strikes if required to maintain stability. The President simultaneously unveiled plans for American petroleum corporations to immediately enter Venezuela and develop its substantial crude oil reserves, describing the nation’s energy infrastructure as “badly broken” and requiring billions in investment.
“Our premier US oil companies—the world’s largest—will invest substantially to rehabilitate Venezuela’s crippled oil infrastructure and generate national revenue,” Trump stated, while emphasizing that the comprehensive oil embargo against Venezuela remains rigorously enforced.
The administration’s strategy included recent seizures of multiple oil tankers violating US sanctions as part of a sustained military pressure campaign preceding Maduro’s removal. Trump issued stern warnings to remaining Venezuelan political and military figures, indicating they could face similar consequences to Maduro if they oppose the transition.
Venezuela’s oil industry, producing approximately one million barrels daily, has operated under US sanctions since 2019, forcing most sales onto black markets at significantly reduced prices. The Trump administration alleges Caracas has utilized oil revenues to fund international criminal activities including narcoterrorism, human trafficking, and organized violence.