After the autumn of Maduro, the USA desires to manipulate Venezuela itself in the interim | EUROtoday

As of: January 3, 2026 8:26 p.m

The USA desires to retain management over the nation after the navy intervention in Venezuela and the ouster of President Maduro. US President Trump has already introduced investments from US oil firms.

After the assault on Venezuela and the overthrow of Venezuelan head of state Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump says the United States will lead the South American nation in the interim. “We will continue to govern the country until we can ensure a safe, orderly and sensible transition,” he mentioned throughout a information convention at his non-public Mar-a-Lago property.

After their seize, Maduro and his spouse had been flown by helicopter to the warship “USS Iwo Jima”. Shortly earlier than, the US President had printed an image on his on-line platform Truth Social that supposedly confirmed Maduro tied up, blindfolded and sporting headphones on the ship.

US investments introduced in oil enterprise

“This was one of the most impressive, effective and powerful demonstrations of U.S. military strength and competence in American history,” Trump instructed reporters. He mentioned the operation concerned U.S. air, land and naval forces.

The USA is ready for a second, considerably bigger wave of assaults. However, he considers this to be unlikely in the mean time given the “successful first wave of attacks”.

At the identical time, he introduced that US oil firms ought to develop into lively in Venezuela to “start making money for the country.” US oil firms would make investments “billions of dollars” within the South American nation and rebuild infrastructure to spice up the oil enterprise. However, the US oil embargo towards Venezuela stays in pressure in the interim.

Trump: I warned Maduro

According to Trump, Maduro was captured in a closely guarded, fortress-like constructing. “He was in a fortress,” Trump had beforehand mentioned in a phone interview with US broadcaster Fox News.

Trump additionally instructed Fox News that no consultant of Maduro’s authorities ought to succeed him. He is not going to permit anybody to “continue where they left off,” mentioned Trump, referring to Maduro. “We will be very involved. And we want freedom for the people.”

He known as on Maduro to give up in a telephone name a couple of week in the past. “I said you have to give up. You have to surrender.” However, Maduro refused.

Trump pursued use of personal properties

According to his personal assertion, the Republican noticed the operation along with high-ranking navy officers in a room at his non-public Mar-a-Lago property – it was “like watching a television show.” According to Trump, no US residents had been killed within the navy operation, which was “astonishing”. “A few men” had been hit, however they had been in “pretty good shape.”

According to him, US troopers broke by way of, amongst different issues, specifically secured metal doorways. Trump spoke of a really complicated maneuver and praised the models concerned: “If you had seen the speed and the violence – it was incredible.”

Venezuela reported a number of deaths, together with troopers and civilians. A quantity was not given. The air strikes on the Venezuelan evening had been reportedly aimed primarily at navy bases, airfields, communications amenities and ports.

Indictment towards Maduro and his spouse

The US Department of Justice has in the meantime introduced new expenses towards the captured Maduro and his spouse Cilia Flores. The indictment accuses Maduro of main a corrupt authorities that was illegitimate.

In addition, he has been selling unlawful ventures similar to drug smuggling for years with the assistance of presidency energy. The Venezuelan elite benefited from drug smuggling, the indictment says. Maduro labored with drug terrorists to carry tons of cocaine into the USA.

Internationally, primarily important reactions

Internationally, the US’s actions have brought about slightly important reactions. Allied and pleasant states of Venezuela have strongly condemned the US motion. The Russian Foreign Ministry mentioned the transfer was “deeply disturbing and reprehensible.” There is not any justification for this “armed aggression” and Maduro have to be launched. Cuba spoke of “state terror.”

Iran additionally strongly condemned the US navy motion. The Iranian Foreign Ministry mentioned it was a “flagrant violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The United Nations has expressed “deep alarm.” “These developments set a dangerous precedent,” mentioned UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesman.

Merz: Maduro has led his nation to damage

The EU international coverage chief Kaja Kallas known as on the USA to indicate restraint. Several states appealed to uphold worldwide regulation, “which we should all abide by,” as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned.

According to a press release, Chancellor Friedrich Merz mentioned: “Nicolás Maduro has led his country to ruin.” Germany didn’t acknowledge the final, fraudulent election. Maduro performs “a problematic role with unfortunate alliances worldwide and through Venezuela’s involvement in the drug business.”

Merz continued: “The legal classification of the US mission is complex. We are taking our time to do this. Basically, the principles of international law must apply in dealings between states.” There ought to now be no political instability and an “orderly transition” to a “government legitimized by elections” have to be assured.

The French Foreign Ministry mentioned the motion that led to Maduro’s seize violated the ideas of worldwide regulation. Israel, however, welcomed the US actions. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar spoke on X about Maduro as a “dictator who led a network of drugs and terror.”