UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will “run” Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores during an operation on October 7, 2023. This decisive move comes as the world watches closely to understand what “run” truly entails for the South American nation.
Trump’s declaration shifts focus from military action to the political implications of U.S. involvement in Venezuela. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” Trump stated, raising urgent questions about the mechanism of governance in the country. A reporter pressed him on how this would be managed, to which Trump confirmed that designated officials are already being appointed to coordinate efforts.
Behind Trump during the announcement were key figures including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine. This high-profile backing underscores the administration’s commitment to a new direction for Venezuela.
Responding to concerns about military presence, Trump expressed confidence in U.S. operations. “We had boots on the ground last night at a very high level,” he said, indicating that American forces are deeply involved in the situation. He emphasized the need to prevent adversaries from controlling Venezuela’s oil, stating, “We don’t need Venezuela’s oil… What we’re not going to allow is for the oil industry in Venezuela to be controlled by adversaries.”
The administration aims to guide Venezuelan officials away from corruption and drug trafficking while fostering better relations with the U.S. Rubio elaborated on this vision, insisting that the U.S. will not micromanage Venezuela’s government but will ensure that its interests align with the well-being of the Venezuelan people.
The implications of this intervention are significant. If the U.S. can stabilize Venezuela effectively and quickly, it could mark a major political victory for Trump as he prepares for upcoming midterm elections. However, any chaos resulting from the operation could lead to accusations of overreach and mismanagement, echoing the criticisms faced after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
As this situation develops, the world will be watching closely to see how the U.S. approaches governance in Venezuela and what the long-term consequences will be for both nations. The administration’s next steps could determine not only Venezuela’s future but also Trump’s political legacy.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation evolves, and share your thoughts on what this means for the region and global politics.
