US President Donald Trump has heightened concerns about a potential escalation of military involvement in Venezuela. During a press conference on October 26, 2023, at his Mar-a-Lago club, Trump indicated that the United States is prepared to undertake a second, larger military action to capture President Nicolás Maduro.
In his remarks, Trump stated, “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground,” suggesting that military intervention remains a viable option for the US. He elaborated on the plan for US governance in Venezuela following the recent military strikes, declaring, “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.”
Trump emphasized the US’s commitment to ensuring “peace, liberty, and justice” for the Venezuelan people, including those residing in the US who wish to return home. He expressed concern about the possibility of an alternative leader taking control of Venezuela, stating, “We can’t take a chance that someone else will take over Venezuela that doesn’t have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind.”
The President’s comments come in the wake of a recent operation aimed at extracting Maduro and his wife. Trump hinted at a “second wave” of military action, describing it as “a much bigger wave” if necessary. He noted that while the initial military plans included a second assault, the successful extraction made that step redundant.
Moreover, Trump asserted that US oil companies would play a crucial role in revitalizing Venezuela’s oil industry, which he characterized as “a bust.” He claimed that these companies would invest “billions” of dollars to repair the country’s oil infrastructure, which he described as “badly broken.” He projected that revenue generated from the oil reserves would help finance US military operations in the region.
The president’s statements raised questions about the future of US involvement in Venezuela and the implications for its citizens. Trump assured that under US oversight, the Venezuelan people would become “rich, independent, and safe.”
In response to questions from reporters, Trump reaffirmed the military’s readiness, saying, “We’re there now. But we’re going to stay until such time as a proper transition can take place.” He added that the US military had already deployed personnel “at a very high level.”
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community watches closely to see how the situation in Venezuela unfolds and the ramifications of US policy in the region.
