- Trump made the declaration on Saturday while addressing journalists after the U.S.-led strike on Venezuela
- The U.S. president argued that Venezuela’s long-struggling oil sector had been pushed to the brink of collapse through years of mismanagement
- U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a large-scale joint effort between the military and law enforcement agencies
United States President Donald Trump has stated that the United States will take direct control of Venezuela during its transition to a new leadership structure, following a dramatic military operation that resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Trump made the declaration on Saturday while addressing journalists after the U.S.-led strike on Venezuela, stressing that Washington could not afford a situation where another leadership hostile to the welfare of Venezuelans or global stability emerged in the power vacuum.
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The U.S. president argued that Venezuela’s long-struggling oil sector had been pushed to the brink of collapse through years of mismanagement, adding that American oil companies were prepared to invest billions of dollars to rehabilitate the country’s broken energy infrastructure.
According to him, such investments would not only restore production but also generate income capable of reviving the nation’s economy and improving the living conditions of ordinary citizens.
Trump further issued a stern warning to political leaders and senior military officials in Venezuela, saying the recent developments should serve as a clear message that no one would be immune if they attempted to sabotage the transition process.
He insisted that the era of fear and repression in the country had ended, declaring that Venezuelans were now “free again.”
He also used the occasion to frame the operation as a strategic victory for the United States, describing America as a safer and more confident nation following the action.
Trump maintained that the move was necessary to protect democratic values and prevent further instability in the region.
In a related briefing, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a large-scale joint effort between the military and law enforcement agencies, praising what he called its flawless execution.
Hegseth said Maduro had repeatedly ignored opportunities to step aside peacefully, noting that decisive action became unavoidable after continued resistance to international demands.
The unfolding situation has continued to draw global attention, with reactions expected from regional leaders and international organisations as Venezuela enters a highly uncertain but pivotal phase in its political history.
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