US President Donald Trump has claimed that Venezuela is now fully cooperating with Washington and that the United States will control the crisis-hit country’s vast oil reserves for years, even as he seeks to de-escalate tensions with neighboring Colombia following days of sharp rhetoric and military threats.
The twin developments underscore a dramatic reshaping of US power in northern South America, with Venezuela’s energy wealth and Colombia’s strategic alignment now at the centre of Trump’s regional strategy.
What did Trump say about Venezuela under a new regime?
In an interview with The New York Times, Trump said Caracas was giving Washington “everything that we feel is necessary,” adding that the US would act as a long-term political and economic overseer of Venezuela.
“We will rebuild it in a very profitable way,” Trump said, bluntly stating: “We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil.” Asked how long US oversight would last, he replied: “Much longer” than a year.
How has the US begun controlling Venezuela’s oil sector?
Those remarks came as the Trump administration announced unprecedented control over Venezuela’s oil sector. US forces have seized sanctions-hit tankers, and Washington has declared it will manage all future sales of Venezuelan crude, overseeing global marketing and exports.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed the US would “market the crude coming out of Venezuela,” while Vice President J. D. Vance said oil sales would only be permitted if they served “America’s national interest.”
How is the US tightening its hold over Venezuela’s oil Sector?
The US has already secured access to up to $3 billion worth of Venezuelan crude, signaling that Caracas is yielding to Trump’s demand to open its oil industry to US companies or face further military pressure.
Officials say only oil transported through US-approved channels will be allowed, a move that effectively gives Washington leverage over the world’s largest proven crude reserves—power that could influence global oil prices.
Why has Venezuela acceded to US pressure on its oil?
Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has defended the opening of the oil sector to Washington, saying energy cooperation with the US was “not unusual” despite what she called the “stain” left by the US attack that removed her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro.
Rodríguez insisted Venezuela was “open to energy relations where all parties benefit,” even as Trump continues to say the US will “run” the country.
How has Venezuela changed its administration approach post Maduro?
Amid these claims of cooperation, Caracas has announced the release of a “significant number” of detainees, including foreign nationals, in what the government says is a step toward national reconciliation.
Human rights groups have welcomed the announcement cautiously, stressing that releases must be immediate and verifiable, noting Venezuela still holds hundreds of political prisoners.
How has Trump turned his attention to Colombia’s Petro?
While consolidating control over Venezuela, Trump has also moved to cool tensions with Colombia. Days after he said a US military operation targeting Colombia’s government “sounds good,” Trump revealed he held a phone call with Colombian President Gustavo Petro and that arrangements were being made for Petro to visit the White House.
“It was a great honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had,” Trump wrote on social media, praising Petro’s “tone” and signaling a possible reset.
What was Petro’s take on his phone call with Trump?
Petro confirmed the call — their first since Trump returned to office in January 2025 — describing it as cordial and saying he requested a restart of dialogue.
Relations have been deeply strained, with Trump accusing Petro’s government of enabling cocaine trafficking and imposing sanctions, while Petro has accused Trump of human rights abuses and complicity in global conflicts.
How has Trump’s focus on Latin America progressed?
The outreach comes as the Trump administration intensifies its regional security campaign. Since September, US forces have carried out more than 30 strikes against suspected drug-running boats in Caribbean waters, killing at least 110 people, according to official figures.
Together, Trump’s assertive grip on Venezuela’s oil and his tentative reconciliation with Colombia signal a hard-edged but flexible US approach to Latin America, one that combines military force, economic dominance, and selective diplomacy as Washington seeks to redraw the balance of power across South America.