Trump touts major profits from Venezuela oil plans post-Maduro capture
Following a White House meeting with oil executives, President Trump predicted vast profits from US investment in Venezuela's oil sector. The announcement coincides with Venezuela's initiation of exploratory diplomatic talks with the US.
US President Donald Trump declared Friday that "a lot of money is going to be made" following a White House meeting with top oil executives to discuss major investments in Venezuela. Trump described the gathering with "the biggest companies anywhere in the world" as highly successful, forecasting they would invest "hundreds of billions of dollars" in drilling operations. This economic push follows the US military operation on January 3 that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuela's Diplomatic Move
Coinciding with Trump's comments, the Venezuelan government announced it would begin an "exploratory process" to reestablish diplomatic relations with the United States. In an official statement, Caracas said the move aimed to address the current situation within international law while adhering to principles of national sovereignty. However, the government simultaneously condemned the "criminal, illegitimate, and illegal aggression" of the US operation, which it said resulted in over 100 civilian and military deaths and violated international law.
Contrasting Narratives on Stability
Trump painted an optimistic picture of the outcome, suggesting widespread satisfaction. "Everybody’s going to be happy in South America... Venezuela is happy. I think they're all going to be happy," he stated, calling the development a "miracle." This stands in stark contrast to the Venezuelan government's portrayal of a violent intervention. The captured former leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife Cilia Flores are currently on trial in the US on drug and weapons charges, pleading not guilty.
Strategic and Economic Implications
The meeting and subsequent statements underscore the Trump administration's strategy to rapidly redirect Venezuela's vast oil reserves—the world's largest—toward US corporate and strategic interests following the dramatic change in power. The plan hinges on close collaboration with the new Venezuelan administration under Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, whom Trump has described as a cooperative ally. The initiative aims to marginalize other foreign powers like Russia and China from the Venezuelan energy sector.
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