US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will allow American oil companies to go to Venezuela to exploit its vast crude oil reserves following the US military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump said in a press conference, “We will engage very large American oil companies, the largest in the world, to spend billions of dollars to repair the severely dilapidated infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country.”
Securing a “Safe” Political Transition
Trump said his country would “manage” Venezuela until a “safe” political transition is secured. He said at a press conference, “We will manage the country until we can carry out a safe, sound, and rational transition,” adding that US forces are ready to carry out a second wave of strikes on Venezuela, “much larger” if necessary.
The US President said in remarks earlier Saturday that Washington would “engage strongly” in the Venezuelan oil sector in the wake of the military operation, adding, “We have the greatest oil companies in the world, the largest and the greatest, and we will engage strongly in that.”
Oil Facilities Sustained No Damage
Trump noted, “We have good relations with China and Russia, they won’t have a problem with the Venezuela operation, they will get oil.” He said, “The United States will push large American oil companies into Venezuela after the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro.”
In a related context, executives at the state-owned Venezuelan oil company said that the port of La Guaira was severely damaged by the US attacks, but the oil facilities sustained no damage. The officials stated that the state oil company informed its employees that production and refining operations are proceeding normally.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 following its declaration of independence from Great Britain. Its history is marked by westward expansion, the Civil War, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse population, democratic institutions, and significant cultural influence worldwide.
Venezuela
Venezuela is a South American country with a history of indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization beginning in the 16th century, and independence achieved in 1821 under Simón Bolívar. It is known for its diverse natural landscapes, including the Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. Its modern history and economy have been heavily defined by the discovery and exploitation of vast petroleum reserves.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is a businessman and media personality who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by a populist and unconventional political style, significant tax reforms, and a focus on immigration restriction and “America First” foreign policy.
Nicolas Maduro
Nicolas Maduro is the current president of Venezuela, having assumed the office in 2013 following the death of his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. His presidency has been marked by a severe political and economic crisis in the country, leading to significant international controversy and sanctions.
Washington
Washington, D.C., is the capital city of the United States, founded in 1790 and named after the first U.S. president, George Washington. It is renowned for its iconic national monuments, museums, and federal institutions, such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian museums, which reflect the nation’s political history and cultural heritage.
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which reflect its long imperial past and profound cultural achievements.
Russia
Russia is the world’s largest country by area, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Its history is marked by the rule of the Tsars, the Soviet Union era following the 1917 Revolution, and its modern establishment as the Russian Federation in 1991. It is renowned for its vast landscapes, rich literary and artistic traditions, and influential role in global affairs.
La Guaira
La Guaira is the main port city of Venezuela, located along the Caribbean coast just north of Caracas. Founded in 1589, it served as a critical gateway for Spanish colonial trade and faced numerous pirate attacks throughout its history. Today, it remains a major maritime hub and is known for its connection to the Simón Bolívar International Airport.
