Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump said in an interview published Thursday that the United States could oversee Venezuela and control its oil revenues for years. During what The New York Times described as a wide-ranging, two-hour interview, the newspaper said Trump appeared to back away from a threat of military action against Venezuela’s neighbor, Colombia.
- We will reduce oil prices
- The Times newspaper reported that its reporters were allowed to stay during a phone call between Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, on the condition that the content of the call would not be published. On social media, Trump said, “I was honored to speak with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the drug situation and other ongoing disagreements between us. I appreciated his call and manner, and I look forward to meeting him in the near future.” Petro described the call, his first with Trump, as friendly.
Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump said in an interview published Thursday that the United States could oversee Venezuela and control its oil revenues for years. During what The New York Times described as a wide-ranging, two-hour interview, the newspaper said Trump appeared to back away from a threat of military action against Venezuela’s neighbor, Colombia.
We will reduce oil prices
The United States carried out an overnight operation to arrest Nicolás Maduro on January 3. He added, “We will use oil, and we will take the oil. We will lower oil prices, and we will provide money to Venezuela, which is in desperate need.” He continued, saying that the United States “has a very good understanding” with the Venezuelan government led by Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president. Rodríguez had long been loyal to Maduro and served as vice president.
The newspaper reported that Trump refused to answer questions about why he decided not to transfer power in Venezuela to the opposition, which Washington had previously recognized as the legitimate party that won the 2024 elections. On Tuesday, Trump revealed a plan to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of oil, a quantity that has accumulated in Venezuela due to the U.S. blockade.
The Times newspaper reported that its reporters were allowed to stay during a phone call between Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, on the condition that the content of the call would not be published. On social media, Trump said, “I was honored to speak with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the drug situation and other ongoing disagreements between us. I appreciated his call and manner, and I look forward to meeting him in the near future.” Petro described the call, his first with Trump, as friendly.
Trump said, referring to the Venezuelan government, “They provide us with everything we deem necessary.” He declined to comment when asked whether he had spoken personally with Rodríguez. He said, “But Marco (Rubio) talks to her constantly… I assure you that we are in continuous contact with her and the administration,” referring to the U.S. Secretary of State.
The Times newspaper reported that its reporters were allowed to stay during a phone call between Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, on the condition that the content of the call would not be published. On social media, Trump said, “I was honored to speak with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the drug situation and other ongoing disagreements between us. I appreciated his call and manner, and I look forward to meeting him in the near future.” Petro described the call, his first with Trump, as friendly.
