When asked how long the US would maintain direct involvement — whether months or years — Trump replied, “Only time will tell, but it will be a long period, probably for years.” He did not outline a timeline for elections in Venezuela, nor did he confirm whether US troops would remain deployed, saying only, “I cannot tell you that.”
Trump said Venezuela’s interim government was “providing whatever is necessary” to support US operations. He also expressed interest in visiting the country in the future, adding that conditions would soon be safe enough for such a trip.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington would keep control over Venezuela’s oil sales indefinitely, underscoring the administration’s focus on energy security. Trump confirmed that the US plans to purchase between 30 and 50 million barrels of heavy crude oil from Venezuela, though he acknowledged that delivery would take time. He said discussions were ongoing with American oil companies, many of which remain cautious due to concerns over political instability and the role of Venezuela’s military.
The developments follow a US military operation earlier this month that led to the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, effectively ending his rule. Trump said he personally oversaw the operation, known as Operation Absolute Resolve, and described it as a necessary step to restore democracy. He noted that extensive preparations were made to avoid failure, comparing it to past US operations abroad. Around 70 Venezuelans and Cubans were reported killed during the action.
Trump declined to explain why Washington has engaged with Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president, instead of backing opposition leader María Corina Machado, whose party claimed victory in the 2024 elections and who recently received the Nobel Peace Prize. He said Secretary of State Rubio remains in constant contact with Venezuelan authorities.
The situation has drawn mixed reactions in the US. While most Republican lawmakers support the intervention, Democrats have warned that the absence of clear legal authority could draw the US into a prolonged international engagement. In Caracas, supporters of the former Maduro government staged protests on Wednesday against American involvement.
Trump also revealed that he took a call during the interview from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who later invited him to visit Washington, highlighting the regional implications of the unfolding crisis.
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