U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States would “run Venezuela” following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, a statement that marks Washington’s most direct and aggressive rhetoric toward intervention in Latin America in decades.
Trump’s remarks, delivered during public comments, represent a significant escalation in language toward the Venezuelan government, which the United States has long accused of authoritarianism, corruption, and involvement in drug trafficking. While Trump did not outline specific operational details or timelines, the comments signal a hardening stance on Venezuela’s political future.
The United States does not recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president and has imposed sweeping economic and diplomatic sanctions aimed at pressuring his removal. Washington instead recognises opposition figures as the country’s rightful leadership, arguing that recent elections lacked legitimacy.
U.S. officials have repeatedly denied plans for direct military intervention in Venezuela, emphasising sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and international pressure as preferred tools. However, analysts say Trump’s latest statement departs sharply from traditional U.S. messaging and revives memories of past U.S. interventions across Latin America.
U.S. involvement in the region has historically included military actions and political influence during the Cold War, particularly in countries such as Cuba, Panama, and Nicaragua. Any direct U.S. administration of Venezuela would represent an unprecedented move in the modern era and would likely provoke strong regional and international backlash.
The Venezuelan government has not yet issued an official response to Trump’s comments. Allies of Caracas, including Russia and China, have previously warned against any external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs.
Observers say the remarks could further strain U.S. relations with Latin American governments, many of which have urged dialogue and a negotiated resolution to Venezuela’s prolonged political and economic crisis.
