NewKerala.com

Trump Says US Could Oversee Venezuela and Its Oil for Years to Come

President Donald Trump has indicated the United States expects to oversee Venezuela and manage its oil reserves for years, not months. He framed the approach as necessary to rebuild the country profitably and lower global energy prices. The plan follows the arrest of leader Nicolas Maduro and involves the US controlling oil sales, as outlined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump declined to specify a timeline for elections or potential troop deployments, insisting current Venezuelan authorities are cooperating.

Key Points: Trump: US Oversight of Venezuela May Last Years

  • US plans indefinite control of Venezuelan oil sales
  • Aim is to stabilize Venezuela and lower global prices
  • No clear timeline for elections or troop deployment
  • Strategy backed by Republicans, questioned by Democrats
2 min read

Trump says US oversight of Venezuela could last years

President Trump signals prolonged US control of Venezuelan oil sales, aiming to stabilize the country and lower global energy prices for years.

"We're going to be using oil, and we're going to be taking oil. - Donald Trump"

Washington, Jan 8

US President Donald Trump has said Washington expects to oversee Venezuela and extract oil from the country's vast reserves for years, signalling a prolonged American role with no clear end date following the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

In a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, Trump said "only time will tell" how long Washington will maintain direct oversight of Venezuela, but indicated it would be "much longer" than months. "We will rebuild it in a very profitable way," Trump said, adding, "We're going to be using oil, and we're going to be taking oil."

Trump said the United States plans to control the sale of Venezuelan oil indefinitely, an approach he described as necessary to stabilise the country and lower global energy prices. "We're getting oil prices down, and we're going to be giving money to Venezuela, which they desperately need," he said.

The comments came hours after administration officials told Congress that the US would effectively assume control of selling Venezuelan oil as part of a three-phase plan outlined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Republicans have largely backed the approach, while Democrats have warned it risks turning into a long-term intervention without clear legal authority.

Trump declined to say when elections would be held in Venezuela and avoided questions about why Washington recognised Maduro's Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, as the country's interim leader instead of backing opposition figures. He said Rubio "speaks to her all the time" and added that US officials are "in constant communication" with the current authorities.

The US President also said it would take years to revive Venezuela's neglected oil sector. "The oil will take a while," he acknowledged.

Asked what might prompt the deployment of US ground troops, Trump refused to give specifics. "I can't tell you that," he said. "I really wouldn't want to tell you that."

Trump insisted that Venezuela's current leadership is cooperating with Washington despite public criticism. "They're giving us everything that we feel is necessary," he said.

The remarks underscore Trump's focus on the successful military operation that captured Maduro, even as questions mount in Washington about the duration, cost and consequences of the US role in Venezuela.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
From an Indian perspective, we've seen how global powers can destabilize regions for their own gain. While Maduro's regime had issues, an indefinite foreign takeover of a country's primary resource sets a dangerous precedent. Where is the UN in all this?
A
Aditya G
Honestly, if this brings down global oil prices, it could be a silver lining for countries like India. Our economy is so sensitive to fuel costs. But the morality of it is very questionable. Can't support one country's suffering for another's benefit.
P
Priya S
"We're going to be taking oil." The bluntness is shocking. It reminds me of the East India Company's rhetoric. No clear plan for elections, no legal authority... just profit. The Venezuelan people deserve self-determination, not a new master.
M
Michael C
A respectful criticism: The article frames it as a Trump policy, but this is a broader US strategic move. The "rebuild in a profitable way" line is concerning. Who gets the profits? This feels less like nation-building and more like asset-stripping.
K
Kavya N
As an Indian, our foreign policy has always been about non-interference. This is why. Once a foreign power gets its hands on your resources and administration, it's very hard to get them out. Prayers for the people of Venezuela. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50