In a significant escalation of tensions, former President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will be "very strongly involved" in Venezuela's oil industry. This statement came just hours after he announced a U.S. military strike against the South American nation and the capture of its leader, President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump's Vision for Venezuelan Oil
Speaking by phone to "Fox & Friends" on the morning of Saturday, January 3, 2026, Trump was questioned about the future of Venezuela's oil sector, which holds the world's largest proven reserves. His response was unequivocal. "Well, I see that we're going to be very strongly involved in it, that's all," the president stated, adding, "I mean, what can I say?"
He went on to promote American energy prowess, calling U.S. oil companies the "biggest" and "greatest" globally before repeating his commitment to deep involvement. This declaration signals a potential major shift in the control and development of one of the planet's most significant energy resources.
Justifying Military Action and Legal Charges
Later in the same interview, Trump defended the recent military action, framing it as a life-saving measure necessary to combat the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. This justification was bolstered by a concurrent legal move from the U.S. Justice Department.
On that same Saturday morning, the department unsealed an indictment against Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, charging them with conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism. This legal action provides a formal rationale for the aggressive stance taken by the administration.
The strike is part of a broader campaign. In the weeks leading up to this event, the Trump administration's military operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 115 people in attacks on vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling.
A Signal to the World
For Trump, these combined actions—military, economic, and legal—send a clear message about American resolve. He told Fox News, "I think it sends a signal we're not going to be, we're not going to be pushed around as a country anymore by these countries."
The convergence of a military strike, the capture of a sitting head of state, criminal charges, and a pledge to control vital natural resources marks a dramatic and unprecedented moment in hemispheric relations. The long-term implications for global energy markets, international law, and regional stability are profound and will likely define U.S. foreign policy in the region for years to come.
