Donald Trump he openly claimed the control on Venezuela, quoting the Petroleum as a strategic interest of the United States. Two days later the American raid that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the US president has further raised the tone, opening new fronts ranging from Greenland – justified as a matter of “national security” – up to widespread threats to Colombia, Mexico, Cuba and even IranWhile the US president speaks as a commander and suggests a direct US role in managing the country, Secretary of State Marco Rubio tries to tone down the line, assuring that Washington has no intention of governing Caracas. Meanwhile, the toll of the operation remains heavy: at least 80 dead, Maduro expected in front of a federal judge in New York and the Venezuelan streets were mobilized again.
Maduro before a federal judge in New York
Nicolás Maduro is expected today before a federal judge in New York, where he will have to answer for charges formalities advanced by the United States. Images of the blindfolded and handcuffed Venezuelan president have traveled around the world, becoming the symbol of an operation that Washington defends as necessary, but which many observers call a very serious precedent under international law.
In Caracas, meanwhile, Delcy Rodriguez She was appointed interim president with the support of the armed forces. Trump has already delivered a direct message to her: if the new Venezuelan government doesn't comply with Washington's demands, a second attack will follow. This warning is fueling a climate of intense internal tension, while Maduro's son has called on Chavismo supporters to take to the streets.
Trump: "We are in control of Venezuela."
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump didn't mince his words. "We are in control of Venezuela," he declared, implying that key decisions about the country's future won't be made in Caracas. The American president avoided clarifying who he considers formally in charge, but reiterated that the United States is "dealing with people who have just taken office," effectively confirming Washington's direct role in the transition phase.
A position that has also raised questions within the American administration, pushing Blond to intervene to clarify that direct management of the country by the United States is not envisaged.
At the heart of the operation, according to Trump's own words, is energy"The United States needs full access to Venezuelan oil and other resources," he said. This statement reinforces the interpretation of those who see the intervention as driven more by economic and geopolitical interests than by the fight against drug trafficking or the defense of democracy.
Venezuela has some of the largest oil reserves in the world, and control of those fields represents a crucial strategic lever in a global context marked by energy tensions, sanctions, and new balances between major powers.
Trump on Greenland: "We need it for national security."
As part of an increasingly global strategy, Trump has also relaunched the Greenland"We need it for national security," he declared, arguing that the island is crossed by a growing Russian and Chinese naval presence and that Denmark is not able to guarantee its defense. A clear response came from Copenhagen, with an invitation to stop the threats and to respect Danish territorial integrity.
Threats to Colombia, Mexico, Cuba, and Iran
Trump has extended the muscle tone to other countries in the area as well. Colombia It has come under fire with the explicit suggestion of a "US mission" similar to the one conducted in Venezuela. The American president has called the Bogotá government fragile and destined to fail.
Il Mexico he has again been accused of not doing enough against drug trafficking and migrants, while Cuba, according to Trump, is "ready to fall," especially now that it risks losing heavily subsidized Venezuelan oil. The US president has hinted that Havana could collapse even without direct military action.
Washington's gaze extends beyond Latin America. Trump has threatened a "severe blow" against Iran in the event that Tehran bloodily represses internal protests, relaunching a line of strong pressure already adopted in the past. A meeting between Trump and the Turkish president is also expected today. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a sign that the Venezuelan crisis is now being read as part of a broader geopolitical picture.
