Venezuela 'At Risk of Collapse' if the U.S. Governs for Extended Period, Warns Colombian President

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Thursday voiced concerns that should the United States manage Venezuela for several years, it may lead to the country's downfall. This warning was in reaction to former President Trump's recent statements suggesting extended U.S. involvement.

Petro emphasized, 'If such a scenario unfolds, we might witness a collapse within Venezuelan society.'

He further commented that this issue transcends Venezuela, touching upon the broader implication of the United States asserting entitlement to the resources of Latin America and beyond.

The Trump administration previously announced intentions to oversee Venezuela's oil sales and encouraged American investments aimed at revitalizing the nation's oil sector.

Following a tense exchange, President Trump extended an invitation to Petro to visit the White House, seemingly alleviating some of the earlier discord over remarks about military interventions in Colombia linked to drug control.

Petro shared his reservations about meeting Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado. Though Trump expressed plans to confer with her, Petro recounted, 'I once asked her to meet, but she declined, so Trump's views took me by surprise.'

In the wake of Nicolás Maduro's capture, Trump expressed skepticism about Machado's capacity to lead given her lack of substantial backing. Moreover, Maduro’s deputy assumed the presidency in an interim capacity.

Yet, within opposition ranks, Machado demonstrated strong polling support amid an election where Maduro claimed a decisive victory viewed as illegitimate by Machado and U.S. officials. Even with the regime barring Machado's candidacy, her endorsed candidate reportedly garnered 70% of the vote.