President Trump criticizes Venezuela after Maduro attack: ‘We are responsible’
President Donald Trump says he is “in charge” of Venezuela after US special forces captured President Nicolas Maduro.
- The US military captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a surprise attack on January 3rd.
- President Donald Trump has said “the United States is responsible” for Venezuela, but questions remain about the path forward.
President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his claim that the United States is “in charge” of Venezuela following the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
U.S. forces captured the Maduro couple in a surprise attack on January 3, after months of increased U.S. pressure on the oil-rich country. At a news conference later in the day, President Trump said the United States would run the country until there is a “safe, appropriate and wise transition.”
Asked by Kristen Welker on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Jan. 4 what he meant by that, Secretary of State Marco Rubio seemed to back away from his claim that the U.S. “runs” the country and instead focused on using “leverage.”
“Well, it’s not implementing policy, it’s implementing policy, it’s implementing policy on this,” he said.
Later that day, President Trump appeared to stand by his original claims, speaking to reporters on a plane returning to Washington, D.C. from an extended vacation in Florida.
“Don’t ask me who’s in charge. I’ll tell you, but it will be very controversial,” he said. The reporter asked him for details. “That means we are responsible.”
Why did Trump usurp the Venezuelan presidency?
The United States has increased pressure on Venezuela in recent months, carrying out attacks on ships it accuses of carrying drugs, increasing its military presence in the nearby Caribbean Sea and warning airlines to avoid Venezuelan airspace.
President Trump announced the arrests on January 3 at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, calling Maduro an “outlaw dictator.” Maduro took office in 2013 and has presided over Venezuela’s economic collapse. Both Mr. Maduro and his opponents have claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election, and many foreign leaders, including Mr. Trump, have questioned or denied the legitimacy of Mr. Maduro’s victory.
Trump also said Maduro’s arrest would open up Venezuela’s previously state-owned oil reserves to oil operations.
“We’re going to rebuild our oil infrastructure, and it’s going to cost billions of dollars,” Trump said. The cost will be “paid directly by the oil company” but “will be reimbursed,” he said.
“We’re going to let the oil flow where it’s supposed to go,” he added.
Maduro was charged with four crimes for leading a 25-year-old drug-terrorism conspiracy. President Maduro denies involvement in drug trafficking and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on January 5.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been appointed acting president. She initially rejected claims she was willing to work with the Trump administration, but by Sunday called for a “balanced and respectful” relationship with the United States.
Where is Venezuela?
Venezuela is a country located in the northern part of the South American continent.
Contributors: Lauren Villagran, Mike Snider, Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY
Kinsey Crowley is a Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Please contact KCrowley@usatodayco.com. follow her X (Twitter), blue sky and TikTok.
