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President Donald Trump outlined his administration’s Venezuela strategy during a Wednesday White House news conference, stating that democratic elections in the country remain years away despite the government’s improved financial standing. Trump offered qualified support for the current Venezuelan leadership, including praise for acting president Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed power following Nicolás Maduro’s capture on January 3. The president suggested that when the nation is prepared to hold elections, the U.S. would maintain close involvement in the process.
Trump highlighted substantial increases in Venezuelan oil revenues under the current administration, claiming the country now generates more income than at any previous point in its history. He noted that Venezuela has begun collecting billions in oil sales, reversing what he characterized as economic stagnation preceding his return to office. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that elections represent one component of a three-part stabilization, recovery, and transition framework.
Rubio previously outlined strict financial controls governing Venezuelan oil proceeds, stipulating that all deposits flow into U.S. Treasury accounts with disbursements occurring only after monthly budget approvals. The secretary emphasized that financial management would prioritize Venezuelan citizens over regime interests or corrupt officials, granting Washington significant leverage on stabilization efforts.
Nobel Peace Prize recipient María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, remained in Panama following 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, preventing her return to Caracas. She released a statement expressing solidarity with affected families, though unable to provide physical presence in the country. As of Friday, the official earthquake death toll reached 5,069 people with 190 buildings collapsed, and the Trump administration continued delivering humanitarian assistance to victims.
Trump characterized himself as widely recognized in Venezuela, citing his former ownership of the Miss Universe pageant from 1996 to 2015, during which Venezuelan contestants achieved significant success. Venezuelan women won the Miss Universe title seven times between 1979 and 2013, according to the president. Trump concluded by describing Venezuelans as “great people” overall.
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