Trump vows to free remaining political prisoners in Venezuela

US President Donald Trump vowed on Tuesday that Washington will secure the release of all remaining political prisoners in Venezuela, claiming the South American country is undergoing an economic and political transformation fueled by returning American energy companies.

Vows on prisoner releases

Speaking to reporters before departing for China, Trump stated: "We're going to get them all out." He noted that Washington had already secured the release of many detainees and pledged that the remainder would follow. Praising Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, he said she was "doing a great job" and claimed Venezuelans were "dancing in the streets" over recent developments.

Trump also highlighted the entry of major American energy firms into the Venezuelan market, stating that Exxon and Chevron were among "all of the big companies going in." He claimed the South American nation is now generating more revenue than it had in the previous 45 years, framing the economic opening as part of a broader political transformation.

Operation Absolute Resolve

Washington carried out Operation Absolute Resolve on January 3 to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and transfer him to US custody, according to official statements. US forces launched widespread airstrikes targeting air defense and communications infrastructure across northern Venezuela while special operations units conducted a raid on Caracas to seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Monroe Doctrine revival

The Trump administration has framed the military intervention as enforcing a revival of the Monroe Doctrine — the 1823 declaration that the Americas are off-limits to European influence. Officials have also cited action against alleged narcotrafficking and corruption while explicitly linking the operation to securing American influence over Venezuela's vast oil reserves.