Trump Suggests Prolonged US Involvement in Venezuela Amid Political Upheaval

Thu Feb 19 2026 10:41:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent interview, President Trump discussed the potential longevity of US military and political engagement in Venezuela, following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro. Opposition leader María Corina Machado declares an irreversible path toward freedom for the country.

US President Donald Trump indicated that American involvement in Venezuela could extend for years following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces. Despite the political shifts, the timeline for establishing elections remains unclear. Opposition leader María Corina Machado expressed optimism for Venezuela's future, asserting that the removal of Maduro signifies an irreversible change. Trump emphasized the importance of controlling Venezuelan oil sales for leverage and hinted at plans for rebuilding the country's economy.

US President Donald Trump has stated that his country's involvement in Venezuela could last for years.

In an interview with The New York Times, he mentioned, only time will tell how long the administration would oversee Venezuela's governance following a raid that led to the removal of leader Nicolás Maduro.

Trump did not specify if or when elections would be conducted to replace the interim government led by Maduro loyalist Delcy Rodríguez.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado claimed that Maduro's ouster has initiated an irreversible process towards freedom. She voiced hopes that the transition would be swift and highlighted the need for releasing political prisoners.

In response to the NYT's inquiries on the future of Venezuela, Trump revealed plans to control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely and restore the oil industry, which has suffered under both Maduro's administration and extensive US sanctions.

While Machado has rallied opposition factions, Trump was dismissive of her leadership potential, underscoring the complexities of Venezuela's political landscape.

As the US Senate votes to curb Trump's military authority, discussions continue about how American leaders will navigate the intricacies of establishing stability and governance in Venezuela.