Trump Says U.S. Will Administer Venezuela After Maduro’s Removal, Rebuild Oil Sector to Repay American Companies
WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said the United States would temporarily administer Venezuela following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro, pledging to oversee a political transition, restore the country’s oil infrastructure, and repay U.S. companies whose assets were seized decades ago.
Speaking at a news conference after Maduro and his wife were captured during a U.S. military raid, Mr. Trump said Washington would govern the country until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” could be carried out.
“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Mr. Trump told reporters. “We want peace, liberty and justice for the great people of Venezuela.”
Maduro, his wife, and senior members of his administration have been indicted by U.S. authorities on federal charges related to narcoterrorism and cocaine trafficking. Their capture marks a dramatic escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with Caracas.
U.S. Leadership Team to Oversee Transition
Mr. Trump said a leadership team to administer Venezuela was still being finalised but would include senior figures from his administration. He named Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine as part of the group shaping U.S. involvement.
“They’re going to be a team working with the people of Venezuela,” Mr. Trump said.
He did not rule out a direct military role in governing the country, saying Washington was prepared to deploy forces if required.
“We’re not afraid of boots on the ground,” Mr. Trump said. “We’re not going to do this in vain.”
Following Maduro’s removal, Venezuela’s former vice president Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president. Mr. Trump said Ms. Rodríguez had spoken with Secretary Rubio and described the interaction as “gracious,” while stressing that Caracas had little room to resist U.S. plans.
“She really doesn’t have a choice,” Mr. Trump said. “We’re going to have this done right. We’re not going to just do this with Maduro and leave and let it go to hell.”
Oil at the Centre of U.S. Plan
A central pillar of Mr. Trump’s plan is the revival of Venezuela’s oil industry, once among the world’s most productive but now severely degraded by mismanagement, sanctions, and underinvestment. Mr. Trump said American oil companies would invest billions of dollars to rebuild infrastructure and would be reimbursed through future oil sales.
“It’s not going to cost us anything,” he said, arguing that oil revenues would cover the expenses of administration and reconstruction.
“We’re going to get the oil flowing the way it should be,” Mr. Trump said. “We’re going to make sure the people of Venezuela are taken care of.”
He added that Venezuela would sell oil not only to the U.S. but also to other countries as production ramps up. Asked about the interests of China, Russia, and Iran in Venezuelan energy assets, Mr. Trump said those dynamics would be addressed as part of the rebuilding process.
“We’ll be selling large amounts of oil to other countries, many of whom are using it now,” he said.
Timeline Unclear, Global Reaction Expected
Mr. Trump acknowledged that administering Venezuela could take years, despite his preference for a swift transition.
“I’d like to do it quickly, but it takes a period of time,” he said.
The announcement is expected to trigger strong international reactions, particularly in Latin America, where concerns over sovereignty and foreign intervention remain deeply rooted. Analysts say the move could also reshape global energy markets and intensify geopolitical competition in the Western Hemisphere.
Our Final Thoughts
President Trump’s declaration marks one of the most assertive U.S. foreign policy moves in decades, blending regime change, military force, and economic reconstruction into a single strategy. While Washington frames the plan as a pathway to stability and prosperity for Venezuelans, it raises profound questions about sovereignty, international law, and long-term governance. The success or failure of this unprecedented intervention will not only determine Venezuela’s future but could also redefine how global powers justify involvement in failing states rich in strategic resources.