Donald Trump has declared that the United States will control Venezuelan oil indefinitely, following a dramatic operation in the Atlantic in which British armed forces helped seize fleeing, Venezuela-linked oil tankers.
In an interview with newsmen, Trump was asked whether U.S. oversight of Venezuela would last three months, six months, or a year. “I would say much longer,” he replied. “Only time will tell.”
Trump insisted the U.S. presence is both strategic and profitable, stating, “We will rebuild Venezuela in a very profitable way. We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil.”
The Department of Energy confirmed Wednesday that Washington will control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely, directing revenues for the benefit of both American citizens and the Venezuelan population, officials said.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported that the U.S. raid over the weekend left at least 100 people dead. Maduro suffered a leg injury, while first lady Cilia Flores sustained a head wound during the operation.
Trump framed the intervention as a reconstruction effort, saying American companies would send personnel to Venezuela to repair and modernize its dilapidated oil facilities, which have suffered under years of mismanagement.
“The aim is to reduce global oil prices, stabilize the economy, and ensure U.S. energy security,” Trump said. “We are coordinating with interim president Delcy Rodríguez to restore industry operations.”
The interim government, installed after Maduro’s temporary ouster, publicly welcomed U.S. engagement, though opposition groups and regional analysts criticized the operation as a violation of international law.
British armed forces were key participants in the Atlantic operation, assisting with RAF surveillance flights, naval support, and tracking the runaway tankers to ensure U.S. forces could intercept them safely.
The first tanker seized, formerly called Bella 1 and later reflagged as the Marinera, had attempted to evade U.S. monitoring for more than two weeks before being intercepted by American special forces and judicial seizure warrants.
Russia denounced the seizure, claiming it violated maritime law. The Transport Ministry said, “Freedom of navigation applies in international waters, and no state has the right to use force against vessels registered in other jurisdictions.”
Andrei Klishas, a senior Russian lawmaker, called the action “outright piracy,” highlighting Moscow’s frustration that diplomatic attempts to halt the pursuit of the tanker had been ignored by Washington.
Trump, however, rejected claims of illegality, stating that the U.S. intervention is necessary to prevent socialist mismanagement from threatening global energy markets and to rebuild Venezuelan oil infrastructure.
The attack drew attention for its scale. Venezuela reported that 23 soldiers in Maduro’s security detail were killed, while Cuba confirmed 32 of its personnel stationed in Venezuela also perished during the operation.
“Many of Maduro’s top security figures were eliminated in cold blood,” Cabello said, condemning the U.S. presence as destabilizing and violent. “This is an attack on our sovereignty.”
Despite the deaths, Trump described the mission as humanitarian and economic, saying, “Venezuela desperately needs money. We’re giving funds to the country while providing oil for Americans and global markets.”
Latin American neighbors, including Colombia and Mexico, expressed concern over the U.S. military presence, which Trump suggested could expand to the wider region if deemed necessary for regional stability.
Alongside the operation, Trump called for a historic increase in U.S. defense spending, proposing a $1.5 trillion budget to expand the military in what he described as “very troubled and dangerous times.”
“This will allow us to build the ‘Dream Military,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “It will protect the United States from any adversary, no matter how powerful, and ensure our security.”
Analysts argue Trump’s approach combines direct military action with economic leverage, aiming to secure long-term control over Venezuela’s energy assets while projecting U.S. influence in the Americas.
British RAF aircraft, submarine hunters, and naval support played a tactical role, circling the empty Marinera while U.S. forces boarded it. London described its role as providing critical operational support.
The tanker had switched nationality mid-voyage, painted with Moscow’s flag, and traveled under the shadow of a Russian submarine, highlighting the high-stakes naval maneuvering surrounding the operation.
Despite Moscow’s protestations, the vessel was seized without confrontation between U.S. and Russian forces. Officials said the move was designed to curb illicit oil shipments and enforce sanctions against Venezuela.
The chase involved multiple attempts by the runaway tankers to evade detection. Although empty, the vessels remained under constant surveillance to prevent potential black-market exports or further complications.
International reactions have been mixed. Critics argue the seizure violates sovereignty, undermines international law, and sets a dangerous precedent for unilateral control over another nation’s natural resources.
Trump defended the policy as necessary for energy security and market stability. “Venezuela’s oil industry was mismanaged for years. Our intervention ensures the resources are used efficiently and profitably,” he stated.
While U.S. control over Venezuelan oil may provide short-term gains, experts warn of potential blowback from Maduro loyalists, Cuban allies, and Russia, which could escalate covert or diplomatic responses.
The U.S. now holds operational control over Venezuelan energy infrastructure for the first time in decades, raising questions about the long-term impact on Latin American political stability.
Trump’s insistence on indefinite oversight has drawn criticism from international observers, who note that extended foreign control of resources could destabilize regional governance and violate global norms.
As the U.S. consolidates its position, the Venezuelan economy faces immediate strain, and pro-Maduro factions continue to resist, labeling the U.S. presence an illegal occupation and a breach of sovereignty.
Global energy markets remain volatile. Oil prices are responding to the news of U.S. seizure and ongoing control, with analysts anticipating further fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions and supply uncertainties.
Trump’s narrative emphasizes humanitarian relief and economic development, contrasting sharply with reports from Venezuela and Cuba about casualties and destruction during the U.S. intervention.
“Only time will tell,” Trump said about the duration of U.S. involvement. Observers interpret this as signaling a potential multi-year engagement in Venezuela, reshaping regional dynamics.
International organizations, including the United Nations, have urged restraint. Diplomatic actors call for dialogue, emphasizing the need to respect sovereignty while addressing sanctions and reconstruction collaboratively.
Read also: “We control the Oil”: Venezuela oil deal and US control claims ignite global shockwaves
Despite global criticism, Trump maintains that U.S. control of Venezuelan oil is justified. “We are overseeing production for the benefit of all involved, and our presence will remain as long as necessary,” he said.
The operation represents a rare combination of military intervention, energy control, and geopolitical tension, with implications for Latin America and international energy markets that will be felt for years.
