Trump Hints at Venezuela Visit Amid Shifting Power Dynamics
United States President Donald Trump recently announced his intention to visit Venezuela, signaling a potential new phase in the U.S.’s involvement in the country following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by U.S. Special Forces in January 2026. The announcement came as Trump highlighted a “very excellent relationship” with Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez.
From Raid to Recognition: A Rapidly Evolving Situation
The U.S. Military operation that led to Maduro’s capture marked a significant escalation in U.S. Policy towards Venezuela. Maduro and Flores are currently facing charges in New York related to weapon and drug offenses, which they deny. Following the raid, Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s vice-president, was sworn in as interim president by Venezuela’s National Assembly.
Trump’s comments suggest a degree of acceptance, if not full recognition, of Rodríguez’s provisional administration. He stated that Washington is “dealing with” Rodríguez and acknowledged she has “done a great job.” This represents a shift from previous warnings to Rodríguez, where Trump indicated she would “pay a very big price” if she didn’t comply with U.S. Demands.
The Oil Factor: American Companies Poised to Benefit
A key driver of U.S. Involvement in Venezuela appears to be access to the country’s vast oil reserves. Trump has made it clear that American oil companies will be granted access to exploit these resources. He stated that these companies will be “taking out the oil and then selling the oil for a lot of money,” with Venezuela receiving a portion of the profits.
This move aligns with Trump’s broader strategy of securing access to energy resources for the U.S. And potentially reshaping the global energy landscape. The BBC reported on February 6, 2026, that Trump intends to indefinitely control the sale of Venezuelan oil.
Navigating a Complex Relationship
Despite the apparent cooperation, tensions remain. Rodríguez recently expressed frustration with Washington’s continued orders, stating, “Enough already of Washington’s orders over politicians in Venezuela.” This pushback suggests a desire for greater autonomy and a potential challenge to U.S. Influence.
Trump, however, downplayed these comments, claiming he was unaware of them and reiterating the “very good relationship” with Rodríguez. This discrepancy highlights the delicate balancing act Rodríguez faces – maintaining support from the U.S. While similarly appealing to domestic constituencies.
What’s Next for Venezuela?
The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. The constitution stipulates that elections must be called within 30 days if Maduro’s absence is deemed “permanent,” but no timeline for elections has been announced. The extent to which the U.S. Will continue to exert control over Venezuela’s political and economic affairs remains to be seen.
FAQ
- Who is currently running Venezuela? Delcy Rodríguez is the interim president, having been sworn in after the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
- What is the U.S. Role in Venezuela now? The U.S. Is working with Rodríguez’s provisional administration and has secured access for American oil companies to exploit Venezuela’s oil reserves.
- What charges are Maduro and his wife facing? They are facing weapon and drug offenses in New York.
Explore further: Read more about the U.S. Military operation in Venezuela at Brookings.
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