Trump Says the U.S. Will Take a Leading Role Following Changes in Venezuela’s Leadership

January 7, 2026 by Nadia

According to him, the results justified the action, and he suggested that the operation should be viewed as a success rather than a controversy.

Beyond the immediate military claims, Trump also spoke extensively about Venezuela’s oil sector, which holds some of the largest proven reserves in the world.

He said U.S. oil companies would be allowed to operate in Venezuela, describing the country’s energy infrastructure as “badly broken” and in need of major investment.

“We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country,” Trump said.

He presented this as a mutually beneficial arrangement, suggesting that foreign investment would help rebuild Venezuela’s economy while also providing returns for U.S. companies.

Trump also warned that the U.S. military was prepared to take further action if necessary. He stated that a second, larger operation could be launched should security conditions require it, emphasizing that the United States would not risk losing control after what he described as a major effort.