A day after Donald Trump said the United States would “run” Venezuela after the removal of its leader, his top aide moved quickly to clarify what that really means.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that the U.S. does not plan to govern Venezuela on a daily basis. Instead, America’s role would be limited mainly to enforcing an existing oil quarantine and using it as pressure to push reforms.
What Rubio Actually Said
Speaking on TV shows like Face the Nation, Rubio explained that Trump’s words were misunderstood. According to him, the U.S. will continue blocking sanctioned oil shipments and use that leverage to demand changes in Venezuela’s oil industry and efforts to stop drug trafficking.
Rubio said this oil blockade is already in place and remains a powerful tool. The goal, he added, is to protect U.S. national interests while also helping create a better future for the Venezuelan people.
Trump’s Statement That Sparked Debate
Trump had earlier said that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela for a short time until a “safe and proper transition” is achieved. He repeated this statement several times during a news conference in Florida, standing alongside his national security team.
These comments caused concern among Democrats and even some Republicans, especially those who oppose foreign military interventions. Critics compared the situation to past U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Rubio Pushes Back on Comparisons
Rubio rejected those comparisons, saying Venezuela is not like the Middle East. He argued that U.S. actions in the Western Hemisphere are different and should not be seen through the same lens as past nation-building missions.
He also said the U.S. would judge Venezuela’s new leadership based on their actions and did not rule out a limited military presence if needed to stop drug trafficking and enforce sanctions.
Maduro Taken Into U.S. Custody
Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro was captured in a surprise overnight operation and flown to the United States along with his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple faces U.S. charges related to a narco-terrorism conspiracy.
After landing near New York City, Maduro was taken by helicopter to Manhattan and escorted to a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration office. He is expected to appear in federal court on Monday.
Strong Reaction From Venezuela
Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, condemned the operation and demanded Maduro’s release. The country’s high court named her interim president, calling Maduro the rightful leader.
Meanwhile, Caracas remained tense and unusually quiet. Many shops were closed, streets were mostly empty, and people stayed indoors, unsure of what would happen next.
Life on the Ground in Caracas
Residents described fear and uncertainty. Businesses were shut, and even normally busy public areas were deserted. Armed civilians and military personnel guarded key locations, including the presidential palace.
One local resident summed up the mood simply: people are still shaken.