Trump reveals America's plan to manage Venezuela and control its oil
In striking remarks reflecting a radical shift in US foreign policy toward Latin America, President Donald Trump revealed details of Washington's potential plan for governing Venezuela. In an interview published by The New York Times, Trump clearly indicated that the US role in Caracas could extend for several years, not just a short transitional period, raising serious questions about the future of national sovereignty in the South American nation.
Timeline of the American presence
Regarding the expected duration of this administration, Trump asserted that "only time will tell" the true length, denying that it would be a matter of just a few months. When asked whether the situation would last three months, six months, or even a year, his response was decisive: "I think it will last much longer." These statements align with assertions from US administration officials that Washington intends to "dictate" decisions to the Venezuelan authorities and manage oil sales for an indefinite period, indicating a long-term project to restructure the state.
Venezuelan oil: the heart of the strategy
Political pronouncements cannot be separated from economic reality, as the US president has focused heavily on Venezuela's oil wealth. Trump stated, "We will rebuild the country in a highly profitable way… We will use the oil and import it. We will lower the price of oil and provide much-needed funds to Venezuela." He explained that the plan involves delivering between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, to be sold at market prices under direct US financial supervision.
These statements gain significance from the fact that Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 303 billion barrels according to OPEC data. This enormous stockpile makes controlling its management a crucial asset in the global energy balance, capable of influencing global prices and securing energy supplies for the United States.
Historical context and geopolitical dimensions
These developments come within a complex historical context of strained relations between Washington and Caracas. Venezuela has suffered in recent years from a crippling economic crisis and hyperinflation, leading to the deterioration of its oil sector infrastructure and a decline in production. Observers believe that the direct US intervention proposed by Trump aims to restore Venezuela's energy sector's production capacity, but simultaneously imposes complete political and economic control.
This approach is expected to have broad regional and international repercussions, as the massive influx of Venezuelan oil into global markets could lead to a price drop, as Trump has promised, potentially impacting the economies of other oil-exporting nations. Furthermore, the direct management of a sovereign state in this manner could open the door to a debate about international law and the concept of national sovereignty in the 21st century.
