President Donald Trump has laid out ambitious plans for extended US control over Venezuela, stating the effort will stretch "much longer" than a year as part of Operation Absolute Resolve. Speaking to New York Times reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump emphasized rebuilding the country's shattered oil infrastructure, which he claims Venezuela stole from American firms years ago. The current administration there now provides "everything we feel is necessary," allowing US oil companies to invest billions and lower global prices while funneling revenues back home. This comes after US forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in strikes launched January 3, 2026, targeting drug routes and oil access.
