President Donald Trump has laid out ambitious plans for extended US control over Venezuela, stating the effort will stretch "much longer" than a year as part
of Operation Absolute Resolve. Speaking to New York Times reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump emphasized rebuilding the country's shattered oil infrastructure, which he claims Venezuela stole from American firms years ago. The current administration there now provides "everything we feel is necessary," allowing US oil companies to invest billions and lower global prices while funneling revenues back home. This comes after US forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in strikes launched January 3, 2026, targeting drug routes and oil access. Trump, flanked by aides like press secretary Karoline Leavitt, described the operation as a Monroe Doctrine revival—"Donroe Doctrine"—to assert dominance in the Western Hemisphere. He nixed a second wave of attacks following cooperation, including prisoner releases, but kept ships positioned for security.
Trump Eyes Venezuelan Oil Rebuild
Trump outlined a profitable reconstruction model during the interview. "We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil," he said, promising funds for Venezuela's desperate needs. US firms would fix the "badly broken" sector, with revenues reimbursing American damages and benefiting locals.
During the interaction, one NY Times reporter asked, "How long do you think you’ll be running Venezuela? Three months? Six months? A year? Longer?" Trump said, " I would say much longer than that. We have to rebuild. You have to rebuild the country, and we will rebuild it in a very profitable way."
"We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil. We’re getting oil prices down, and we’re going to be giving money to Venezuela, which they desperately need. We’re going to be helping," he added.
Acting interim leader Delcy Rodríguez reportedly assured Senator Rubio of full compliance: "We'll do whatever you need." Trump hailed this shift, noting her lack of choices post-Maduro. Oil executives met at the White House January 9, pledging at least $100 billion in investments.
The Senate moved to curb further military action, but Trump insists oversight ensures a "safe, proper transition." Ground troops remain possible, though triggers stay classified. "There’s a possibility I would do that, absolutely," he told reporters, referencing a planned second wave.
US Military Deepens Venezuela Grip
Operation Absolute Resolve crippled Maduro's regime while disrupting Tren de Aragua smuggling. No congressional notice preceded strikes, citing mission risks, as over 150 aircraft executed the raid. Trump quipped about a $50 million Maduro reward: "Nobody deserves it but us."
Critics see oil as the core driver, echoing 1976 and 2007 nationalizations. Yet Trump frames it as triple-win: topple tyranny, smash cartels, secure energy. Prisoner releases signal thawing, with Rodríguez embracing US-led revival.
This long-haul stance alarms allies, with Europe stunned and Guyana eyeing Essequibo claims. Trump's health and NATO talks filled the session, but Venezuela dominated.
