What's happened
President Trump indicated the U.S. will maintain indefinite oversight of Venezuela's oil sales, aiming to stabilize its economy and rebuild its oil sector. The move follows the capture of Maduro and signals a shift in U.S. policy amid ongoing negotiations with Venezuelan authorities.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift in Venezuela Policy
The U.S. is moving toward a long-term, indirect control of Venezuela's oil industry, leveraging its vast reserves to influence the country's political landscape. This approach departs from previous sanctions and blockade tactics, aiming instead to integrate Venezuelan oil into global markets under U.S. oversight.
Implications for Venezuela
By controlling oil sales, the U.S. seeks to rebuild Venezuela's economy while ensuring proceeds benefit both nations. Recognizing Maduro's vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, as interim leader indicates a pragmatic shift, possibly to stabilize relations and facilitate negotiations.
Regional and Global Impact
This strategy could reshape regional dynamics, especially with Colombia, which Trump recently invited to Washington, and influence broader U.S.-Latin America relations. The move also signals a potential easing of direct military intervention, favoring economic influence instead.
Next Steps
The U.S. plans to work with major oil companies to increase Venezuelan oil production, with a scheduled meeting at the White House. Congressional debates on military action highlight ongoing tensions between diplomatic and military options in U.S. policy toward Venezuela.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Trump expects the U.S. to oversee Venezuelan oil indefinitely, emphasizing economic stabilization and profit. The NY Post highlights Trump's recognition of Maduro's vice president and his plans to sell Venezuelan oil, with some uncertainty about timelines. Reuters notes Trump's broader diplomatic efforts, including a call with Colombia's president, and the strategic shift away from military intervention toward economic influence, citing multiple officials and sources. These contrasting perspectives underscore a nuanced U.S. approach—balancing economic interests, regional diplomacy, and ongoing political developments in Venezuela.
How we got here
The U.S. has long sought to influence Venezuela's political and economic future, citing corruption and mismanagement under Maduro. Recent actions, including Maduro's arrest and the capture of his wife, mark a significant escalation. The U.S. aims to control Venezuelan oil revenues to aid economic recovery and exert influence without military occupation.
Go deeper
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez (born 18 May 1969) is a Venezuelan lawyer, diplomat, and politician who has served as Vice President of Venezuela since 2018 and as acting president after the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026. Rodríguez has