US President Donald Trump has stated that his country's involvement in Venezuela could indeed extend for years. In an interview with the New York Times, he remarked that only time will tell how long his administration might oversee the operation of the South American nation following the recent US-led operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump was vague on the timeline for potential elections to replace the interim government under Maduro loyalist Delcy Rodríguez. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, meanwhile, heralded the ousting of Maduro as the beginning of an irreversible process toward establishing freedom in Venezuela.
As the White House confirmed plans for the US to control sanctioned oil sales indefinitely, questions arose about the future of Venezuela's political framework. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized that managing oil sales is crucial for exerting influence over Caracas's interim leadership.
During the interview, Trump specifically noted that capturing oil resources from Venezuela, which holds the world's largest proven reserves, would take time to stabilize the country's oil industry post-Maduro. The oil sector has faced significant decline due to years of mismanagement and US sanctions.
Trump commented that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in constant communication with Rodríguez, suggesting an alignment and flow of information between the US and the new Venezuelan interim government.
Notably, Machado pointed out that the current interim administration operates similarly to Maduro's, emphasizing that political prisoners in Venezuela ought to be released and that González’s presidency should be respected as legitimate.
As tensions regarding the political future of Venezuela simmer, many observers remain wary of Trump's ambitions and the inconsistencies surrounding the recognition of leadership within the country.
