U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States could oversee Venezuela and control its oil revenues for years, signaling a prolonged American role following the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.
In a wide-ranging interview published by the New York Times on Thursday, Trump said the duration of U.S. oversight would extend well beyond a year. Asked whether it could last months or longer, he replied: “I would say much longer.”
Trump said the United States intends to rebuild Venezuela “in a very profitable way,” using its oil resources to lower prices while directing funds back to the country. He added that Washington is “getting along very well” with the government of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, a longtime Maduro loyalist.
Trump declined to explain why power was not transferred to the opposition, which Washington had previously viewed as the legitimate winner of Venezuela’s 2024 election. He said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in constant contact with Rodriguez.
The interview also suggested easing tensions with Colombia. Trump invited President Gustavo Petro to Washington after a phone call that appeared to lift an earlier threat of U.S. military action.
Trump is scheduled to meet major U.S. oil executives on Friday to discuss boosting Venezuela’s oil production, with officials saying control of oil revenues is central to rebuilding the economy.
