Trump Claims U.S. Control Over Venezuela: What Are the Plans?

President Trump's recent declaration that the U.S. is in control of Venezuelan affairs following the apprehension of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his spouse has sparked numerous questions regarding the scope of American intervention in the region.

The announcement came after an operation by the U.S. Army's elite Delta Force, which resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. According to Trump's social media posts, both were removed from Venezuela and transported out of the country.

The couple faces charges related to a conspiracy involving narcotics-terrorism, allegedly participating in a plot to flood the United States with massive quantities of cocaine. Following their capture, they were flown to Stewart Airport near New York City.

In the wake of Maduro's removal, the future leadership of Venezuela remains uncertain. President Trump suggested that opposition figure María Corina Machado is unlikely to assume control due to her limited domestic support.

Trump conveyed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had discussions with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, noting that Rodríguez has been sworn in and appears cooperative with U.S. plans to restore Venezuela.

However, Rodríguez addressed state media, insisting that Maduro remains the legitimate leader of Venezuela and demanding his release.

Venezuela’s last presidential election took place in July 2024, but due to opaque electoral processes and international denunciations of Maduro’s victory claim, the situation remains disputed. Proclaimed president-elect, Edmundo González, exiled to Spain after facing arrest threats.

U.S. Administration Vows Structured Supervision

Declaring a commitment to administer Venezuela until a secure transition of power is feasible, President Trump emphasized avoiding the rise of leaders who do not have Venezuelans’ best interests at heart.

Acknowledging the potential complexities, Trump did not elaborate on the specific measures or entities underpinned by U.S. authority in these pursuits or outline the process of selecting future Venezuelan leadership.

It appears integral members of Trump’s administration, such as Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, are poised to collaborate with unspecified teams to engage with Venezuelans directly.

Focusing on Oil Sector Revitalization

President Trump highlighted the deteriorated state of Venezuela's infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on the oil industry’s rehabilitation, rooted in the country’s vast oil reserves.

He asserted, "If the U.S. leaves prematurely, Venezuela faces an improbable recovery. Instead, we’ll oversee its restoration, invite major oil firms to inject capital, thus yielding revenues to benefit Venezuelans."

Resilient Maduro Affiliates

Despite Maduro's capture, key figures from his administration, including Vice President Rodríguez, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, continue to hold their positions of power.

Cabello is implicated alongside Maduro in a federal indictment accusing them of participating in narco-terrorism operations.

In what appears to be a precautionary message to remaining officials in the Venezuelan government, Trump stated that the U.S. stands ready to deploy additional forces if deemed essential, signifying that a more formidable intervention isn't off the table.