U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday it would be “smart” for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to leave power, speaking directly to reporters during an on-the-record press exchange in Palm Beach, Florida, according to Reuters.
Trump said the United States could keep, sell or potentially use Venezuelan oil seized in recent operations to replenish U.S. strategic reserves.
Why It Matters
Trump’s remarks come as the United States expands its military and law-enforcement presence near Venezuela, amid stepped-up enforcement of sanctions and counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
What To Know
Asked whether the increased pressure was intended to force Maduro from power, Trump suggested it could have that effect while stopping short of declaring regime change as official U.S. policy.
“Well, I think it probably would,” Trump said. “That’s up to him what he wants to do. I think it’d be smart for him to do that. But again, we’re gonna find out.”
According to Reuters, the pressure campaign includes a ramped-up U.S. military presence in the region and more than two dozen military strikes on vessels accused of trafficking drugs in waters near Venezuela. Those operations have been carried out under U.S. counter-narcotics authorities and confirmed through Pentagon disclosures.
In parallel, the U.S. Coast Guard has intensified enforcement of oil sanctions. On Sunday, Coast Guard assets pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, which would mark the second such operation this weekend and the third in less than two weeks if completed, Reuters reported.
Trump said seized oil could be retained, sold, or used domestically. “Maybe we will sell it, maybe we will keep it,” he said, adding that it could also be directed toward U.S. strategic reserves.
What People Are Saying
Trump warned that further confrontation could follow if Maduro resists U.S. pressure.
“If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough,” Trump said.
What Happens Next
The United States is expected to continue sanctions enforcement and regional military operations near Venezuela, with additional tanker interdictions possible, according to Reuters and prior Pentagon disclosures.
