President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States is not ruling out keeping American troops on the ground in Venezuela as Washington oversees what he described as a transitional period following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The comments were made during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago.
Why It Matters
Trump’s remarks signal a potential shift toward a sustained U.S. military presence in Venezuela following the overnight operation in Caracas. Any extended deployment would mark a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in the country and could carry major geopolitical, legal, and regional implications.
What to Know
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the United States would be “running the country” temporarily until a successor to Maduro is chosen. When asked whether that meant U.S. troops would remain deployed, Trump responded that the administration was not afraid of “boots on the ground.”
Trump confirmed that American forces were already present during the operation that led to the capture of Maduro and his wife, describing the mission as high-risk and saying it could have resulted in significant losses. He emphasized that the U.S. intended to ensure the country is governed “judiciously” and “fairly” during the transition.
The president also claimed Venezuela had improperly taken control of oil infrastructure originally built by the United States, saying the latest actions were taken to address what he described as years of inaction by previous administrations.
What People Are Saying
Trump said the U.S. presence was necessary to prevent instability and to protect American interests, stating that the operation was not conducted “in vain.” He added that the administration would seek to reimburse people who were “taken advantage of” and ensure economic benefits ultimately reach the Venezuelan population.
“We’re not afraid of boots on the ground,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. is prepared to act again if necessary.
What Happens Next
The administration has not outlined a specific timeline for the transition process or clarified how long U.S. forces might remain in Venezuela. Further details are expected as legal proceedings against Maduro move forward and as the White House determines next steps for governance and security in the country.
