Trump Foresees Long-term US Commitment in Venezuela Following Military Intervention

Fri Jan 09 2026 20:32:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent interview, President Trump expressed that US involvement in Venezuela could endure for years, following the seizure of Maduro's leadership. The implications of oil control and the future of the interim government remain uncertain.

During an interview with the New York Times, President Donald Trump indicated that the US's military and political engagement in Venezuela could last for several years after the ousting of Nicolás Maduro. Trump emphasized the need for US control over Venezuelan oil sales, asserting it as critical leverage for future governance. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado claimed the removal of Maduro has launched an 'irreversible process' toward freedom but criticized continued support for Maduro loyalists. The trajectory of Venezuela's future, including potential elections, remains unclear amidst ongoing US-led operations.

US President Donald Trump has stated that America's involvement in Venezuela has the potential to persist for many years. In an interview with the New York Times, Trump remarked that 'only time will tell' how extensive the US oversight will be following the military operation that led to the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Trump did not clarify if or when new elections might occur to succeed the current interim government led by Maduro loyalist Delcy Rodríguez. The Venezuelan opposition, however, is hopeful. Maria Corina Machado has stated that Maduro's ouster initiated an 'irreversible process' towards a free Venezuela.

The discussion of Venezuela's future is compounded by the US's desire to control oil sales indefinitely, which was reiterated by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, labeling oil control as crucial leverage over Caracas's interim government. Trump mentioned the US would begin 'taking oil' from Venezuela, although reviving the oil industry would take time due to years of mismanagement and sanctions.

In the face of these developments, substitutions in leadership and management of US policy toward Venezuela remain unclear. Trump expressed that his administration would provide aid to rebuild Venezuela as they regain control of its oil resources.

In another significant note, opposition leader Machado criticized the interim government while urging for greater autonomy and the release of political prisoners in Venezuela. As the situation unfolds, Trump's engagement and the dynamics of leadership within Venezuela continue to shape both local and international responses.