Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Trump Takes Control of Venezuela
President Donald Trump is planning to take control of Venezuela's oil reserves and may appoint Stephen Miller to oversee the country.
Trump believes Venezuela needs to be stabilized before any elections can be held.
Meanwhile, former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty to drug charges in a U.S. court.
Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty.
The U.S. is considering sending American oil companies to rebuild Venezuela's oil infrastructure.
The situation has caused international concern and debate over the legality of Trump's actions.
Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's vice president, has been sworn in as interim president and has offered to collaborate with the U.S. while condemning the capture of Maduro.
The U.S. government justifies its intervention as necessary to combat drug trafficking and stabilize Venezuela, while the Venezuelan government condemns it as an illegitimate act of aggression.
Donald Trump plans to take control of Venezuela's oil reserves and may appoint Stephen Miller to oversee the country.
Trump opposes holding new elections in Venezuela within the next 30 days, stating the country must be stabilized first.
Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to narcotics charges in a U.S. court, with his wife Cilia Flores also pleading not guilty.
The U.S. is considering sending American oil companies to rebuild Venezuela's oil infrastructure, with meetings scheduled with major oil companies.
The international community, including the United Nations, has raised concerns about the legality and implications of Trump's actions in Venezuela.
- Who
- Donald Trump, Nicolas Maduro, Delcy Rodriguez, Cilia Flores, Nicolas Maduro Guerra
- What
- US plans to control Venezuela's oil reserves and appoint Stephen Miller to oversee the country; Maduro pleads not guilty to drug charges
- When
- Recent developments, with specific court dates and meetings scheduled
- Where
- Venezuela, United States (New York, Washington D.C.)
- Why
- Trump aims to stabilize and rebuild Venezuela before elections, while Maduro faces drug trafficking charges
US Government
Venezuelan Government
Legitimacy of US Intervention
US Government
The US government justifies its intervention as necessary to combat drug trafficking and stabilize Venezuela, emphasizing that it is not engaged in a war with Venezuela but targeting criminal elements.
Venezuelan Government
The Venezuelan government condemns the US intervention as an illegitimate act of aggression, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for global political stability and violates international law.
Future of Venezuela's Leadership
US Government
The US government asserts that it will temporarily run Venezuela to stabilize the country and rebuild its infrastructure, with Trump stating he is in charge and considering sending American oil companies to revive the oil industry.
Venezuelan Government
The Venezuelan government, led by Delcy Rodriguez, insists on maintaining sovereignty and independence, seeking respectful relations with the US while condemning Maduro's capture and calling for his return.
- Key Figures
- Donald Trump, Nicolas Maduro, Delcy Rodriguez, Stephen Miller, Cilia Flores, Nicolas Maduro Guerra
- Oil Reserves
- Venezuela's vast oil reserves
- Elections Timeline
- No elections for 30 days, potentially extendable
- Maduro's Charges
- Narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices
- U.S. Oil Companies
- Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, Chevron Corp
- Next Court Date
- March 17
- U.S. Intervention
- Most dramatic U.S. intervention in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion
- Rebuilding Timeline
- Trump estimates less than 18 months, experts estimate up to 10 years and $100 billion
Sources
Ousted Maduro pleads not guilty to US drug charges
‘No elections for 30 days’; Donald Trump to pick Stephen Miller to oversee Venezuela, says report—What we know so far
Oil companies willing to invest billions in Venezuela, says White House; Trump proposes reimbursement — What reports say
Oil, Election And In-Charge: Trump Reveals His Plan For Venezuela's Future
US Republicans insist no ‘endless war’ looms in Venezuela
Venezuelan Govt Seeks to Show it is Operating Free from US Control
Donald Trump hints at backing oil investments in Venezuela
Nicolás Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in US Court After Capture on Narco-Terrorism Charges Amid Venezuela Crisis
Trump hints at rise in tariffs on India
Venezuela after Maduro: Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as president after she offers to ‘collaborate’ with Trump
Who will cover cost as Trump pushes US oil firms to invest in Venezuela? His hint —American taxpayers
Weeks before Maduro raid, Trump told oil companies to ‘get ready’ for Venezuela: Report
Trump’s hint to oil executives weeks before Maduro ouster: ‘Get Ready’
Trump’s Venezuela Oil Plan: 'US To Get 30–50 Million Barrels... Money Will Be Controlled By Me'
Trump says Venezuela to turn over 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to US
US To Get 50 Million Barrels Of Oil From Venezuela At Market Price: Trump
Trump says US will sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil at market price — ‘That money will be controlled by…’
Venezuela interim prez Delcy Rodriguez says 'no foreign power' is running country
'Money controlled by me': Trump announces Venezuela to turn over 30 50 million barrels of oil to US
How Delcy Rodriguez Courted Donald Trump And Rose To Power In Venezuela
US, Venezuela agree on $2 billion oil exports as Trump shifts crude from China