UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will “run” Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a large-scale military operation early Saturday. This urgent declaration marks a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs.
The announcement, made during a press briefing, shifted focus from military tactics to a pressing question: What does “run” mean for Venezuela’s future? Trump emphasized the necessity of a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” for the country, aiming to stabilize the region after years of turmoil.
Addressing reporters, Trump stated, “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition.” When pressed about the specifics of this transition, he confirmed that the U.S. is already designating officials to coordinate efforts. “It’s all being done right now. We’re designating people. We’re talking to people,” he assured.
Behind Trump during the announcement were key figures including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The presence of these officials underscores the high-level U.S. commitment to reshaping Venezuela’s governance.
Rubio later clarified that the U.S. does not plan to directly run Venezuelan operations but instead aims to guide local officials away from corruption and drug trafficking, enhancing relations with Washington. “We’re focused on national interests and the well-being of the Venezuelan people,” Rubio stated. He highlighted that while the U.S. does not require Venezuelan oil, it will not permit adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran to gain control over the nation’s resources.
Trump’s remarks also indicated a willingness to deploy troops if necessary, stating, “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground.” This admission raises concerns about potential U.S. military presence in Venezuela, especially as the region grapples with instability.
The implications of this U.S. intervention are profound, particularly as Trump faces scrutiny over the potential for nation-building that he previously vowed to avoid. The effectiveness of this operation will likely dictate the trajectory of U.S.-Venezuela relations and Trump’s political future, especially with midterm elections approaching.
The administration’s next steps remain critical. Trump aims for a rapid resolution to stabilize Venezuela, but failure to achieve a peaceful transition could lead to accusations of deepening chaos in South America. As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely to see how the U.S. will navigate this complex geopolitical landscape.
Stay tuned for live updates as this developing story progresses.
Read more about the U.S. military operation and its implications for Venezuela here.
