January 8, 2026 | International Affairs | SUNTV Global Channel
United States President Donald J. Trump has indicated that Washington’s control of Venezuela will extend far beyond a short-term intervention, signalling a prolonged American role in the country’s political and economic affairs, with oil revenues at the heart of the strategy.
Trump made the remarks during a wide-ranging two-hour interview published on Thursday, where he openly suggested that U.S. oversight of Venezuela could last for several years, dismissing suggestions that American involvement would be temporary.
When asked how long the United States intends to oversee Venezuela — whether for three months, six months, or a year — Trump replied, “Only time will tell,” before adding pointedly, “I would say much longer.”
Long-Term U.S. Presence Takes Shape
The comments mark the clearest indication yet that Washington does not view its involvement in Venezuela as a transitional arrangement. Instead, Trump’s remarks suggest a long-term restructuring of the country, driven largely by energy interests and economic management.
According to the U.S. president, American authorities plan to rebuild Venezuela while exercising significant control over its most valuable asset — crude oil.
“We will rebuild it in a very profitable way,” Trump said, referring to Venezuela, where U.S. forces carried out a dramatic overnight operation on January 3, resulting in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.
Oil At The Center Of U.S. Strategy
Trump made it clear that oil will be the backbone of Washington’s involvement, both as a source of global leverage and as a funding mechanism for Venezuela’s recovery.
“We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil,” Trump stated. “We’re getting oil prices down, and we’re going to be giving money to Venezuela, which they desperately need.”
The remarks indicate that U.S. authorities intend to manage Venezuela’s oil output in a way that benefits American economic interests while also financing reconstruction efforts within the South American nation.
Relations With Interim Government
Trump also disclosed that the United States is working closely with Venezuela’s interim government following Maduro’s removal, describing relations as stable and cooperative.
He said Washington was “getting along very well” with the administration of Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime Maduro ally who previously served as vice president under the ousted leader.
The cooperation suggests a pragmatic approach by the Trump administration, prioritising stability and continuity as the U.S. consolidates its influence in the country.
Regional Tensions Appear To Ease
During the interview, Trump appeared to soften earlier rhetoric toward Venezuela’s neighbour Colombia, easing fears of wider regional conflict.
Despite previously describing Colombia’s leftist president as a “sick man,” Trump revealed that he has since invited the Colombian leader to Washington, signalling a shift toward diplomacy rather than confrontation.
Exclusive Trade Ties With The U.S.
Trump’s comments follow earlier announcements that Venezuela will now use proceeds from a newly negotiated oil deal to purchase only American-made products, significantly deepening economic ties between the two countries.
In a post on his Truth social media platform, Trump said Venezuela’s oil revenues would be used to buy U.S. agricultural products, medicines, medical devices, and equipment needed to rehabilitate the country’s electricity grid and energy infrastructure.
“In other words, Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States of America as their principal partner,” Trump said, describing the move as beneficial to both nations.
$2 Billion Oil Export Agreement
Earlier reports revealed that Washington and Caracas reached an agreement allowing Venezuela to export up to $2 billion worth of crude oil to the United States, a deal Trump described as a flagship achievement of his administration.
U.S. officials say the agreement is designed to redirect Venezuelan oil supplies away from China, ease storage constraints, and prevent further production cuts caused by export restrictions.
The deal also marks a dramatic shift in U.S.–Venezuela relations following months of escalating pressure on Caracas, which culminated in Maduro’s capture and removal from power.
A New Era For Venezuela
Trump’s remarks underscore a significant transformation in Venezuela’s future, pointing to extended U.S. oversight, economic restructuring driven by oil revenues, and tighter integration with American markets.
While the long-term implications remain uncertain, the president’s comments make clear that Washington is preparing for years — not months — of involvement, setting the stage for one of the most consequential foreign interventions in the region’s modern history.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments as the situation unfolds.
