Overview
- President Trump told reporters the United States needs 'total access' to Venezuela’s resources and said of the country’s oil reserves, 'We’re gonna run everything.'
- He said that access would go to 'very large United States oil companies' and cast Venezuela’s oil wealth as 'reimbursement' for alleged past damages tied to the 1976 nationalization.
- Analysts quoted by The New Republic argue the plan reflects a model that enriches Trump-aligned oligarchs and donors, framing it as a form of plunder.
- A Washington Post poll reported by The New Republic found 40% of Americans approve and 42% disapprove of capturing Nicolás Maduro, while 80% of Trump voters support the move and most are unconcerned about congressional authorization.
- Politico reporting cited by The New Republic notes some U.S. oil firms are leery of investing in Venezuela because of logistical hurdles and uncertainty about the country’s future.