In striking remarks reflecting a radical shift in US foreign policy toward Latin America, President Donald Trump announced in an exclusive interview with The New York Times that the United States could take over the administration of Venezuela for several years to come. Trump clarified that this move would not be limited to a short transitional period, but could extend for an extended period with the aim of restructuring the resource-rich nation, which is suffering from a crippling economic crisis.
Timeframe for American control
Regarding the expected timeframe for this intervention, the US president asserted that "only time will tell" how long Washington will maintain its control over Caracas. When asked whether the situation would last three months, six months, or a year, Trump replied unequivocally: "I think it will last much longer." These statements indicate the US administration's intention to become deeply involved in Venezuelan affairs, moving beyond mere political support for the opposition to the actual management of resources and sovereign decisions.
Oil strategy and reconstruction
According to Trump, the US plan centers on exploiting Venezuela's vast oil wealth as a cornerstone of reconstruction. Trump stated, "We will rebuild the country in a highly profitable way… We will use the oil and import it. We will lower oil prices and provide much-needed funds to Venezuela." These statements coincide with confirmations from US administration officials that Washington intends to manage Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely, effectively seizing control of the country's main economic lifeline.
The importance of Venezuelan oil in the international equation
To understand the implications of this decision, one must consider the geopolitical and economic realities surrounding Venezuela. This South American nation possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 303 billion barrels according to OPEC data. Despite this immense wealth, the country has suffered for years from deteriorating energy infrastructure and mismanagement, leading to a sharp decline in production.
By controlling the marketing of between 30 and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, as Trump indicated, the United States seeks to achieve two goals: the first is to ensure the flow of oil to global markets at reasonable prices, and the second is to control the financial proceeds to ensure that they do not reach parties that Washington considers hostile, and to use them instead in reconstruction projects under direct American supervision.
Repercussions of the decision and policy dictates
The Trump administration has confirmed its intention to "dictate" decisions to Venezuelan authorities until further notice. This approach represents a precedent in modern international relations in the Western Hemisphere, as Washington moves from exerting economic pressure and sanctions to directly managing another country's sovereign resources. Observers believe this approach could reshape the region's political landscape and directly impact global energy markets, as Trump explicitly stated: "This oil will be sold at market prices, and I will control the money," effectively placing Washington in the position of financial and political guardian of Caracas for an indefinite period.
