‘No intention of war with Venezuela’… Trump changes tone, responds on possibility of early elections
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump has said that the United States is not at war with Venezuela and has no intention of pushing for immediate elections in the country. He stated that stabilising Venezuela is the first priority, as its systems and infrastructure are currently in a broken condition. The situation remains tense following the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Trump clarified that elections will not be held in Venezuela within the next 30 days. According to him, the ground situation does not allow for fair elections at this stage. “We need to fix the country first. If people cannot even vote properly, then elections cannot be held,” he said.
The US President added that America’s current focus is on restoring law and order and rebuilding Venezuela’s economy. He said the country will need to be stabilised gradually, which will take time. Trump also pointed out that US oil companies could play a key role in rebuilding Venezuela’s energy and oil infrastructure, a process that could be completed in less than 18 months.
He explained that while the United States may provide support, most of the financial burden would be borne by oil companies, which would later recover their costs through revenues. “A lot of money will be spent, oil companies will spend it, and they will get their money back through us or through revenue,” Trump said.
Rejecting claims that the US is at war with Venezuela, Trump said, “No, we are not. We are at war with drug traffickers. We are at war with those who empty their prisons into our country and send their drug addicts and mentally ill people to us.”
Trump blamed Venezuela’s leadership for the country’s deteriorating condition, accusing them of promoting crime and instability. He stated that Maduro was detained during a US operation in Caracas and later faced charges related to drug trafficking and terrorism in New York.
He also said that Rodriguez is cooperating with US authorities but denied that there were any negotiations between Washington and Maduro’s group before his removal. Trump added that a decision would soon be taken on whether sanctions against Rodriguez would continue.
When asked who is currently running Venezuela, Trump replied in one word, “Me.” He said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is deeply involved in talks with Venezuela’s leadership. Trump warned that if cooperation breaks down, the US is prepared for further military action, though he hopes it will not be required.
He also dismissed criticism that the action was taken without approval from the US Congress, stating that lawmakers were aware of the operation and that he has congressional support, though he did not provide further details.