White House defends Maduro’s capture; Trump says military option remains open
The US strikes Venezuela with a bold military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The White House on Wednesday defended the United States’ military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying President Donald Trump “reserves the right” to deploy American forces if required, even as officials stressed that diplomacy remains the administration’s first choice.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president would act in the best interests of the American people amid escalating tensions following the operation in Caracas.
“The president, of course, reserves the right to use the United States military if necessary,” Leavitt told reporters.
‘Diplomacy Was Tried First,’ White House Says
When asked whether Trump would deploy U.S. troops to safeguard American oil workers in Venezuela, Leavitt said military action was not the administration’s preferred option.
“It’s not something he wants to do. Diplomacy is always the first option,” she said.
“As you saw, he tried that with Nicolas Maduro, but unfortunately he was an illegitimate dictator and an unserious person.”
The remarks underline Washington’s effort to justify the operation as a last resort after diplomatic channels failed.
Trump Calls Maduro ‘Violent’ in Address to Republicans
Speaking to House Republican lawmakers during a policy retreat in Washington, Trump defended the U.S. military’s action and sharply criticised Maduro, whom he accused of mass violence and human rights abuses.
“They’ve been after this guy for years and years,” Trump said.
“He’s a violent guy. He’s killed millions of people. He’s tortured.”
Trump claimed that American intelligence had identified a “torture facility” in Caracas and alleged that elements of the U.S. “radical left” were supporting protests in favour of Maduro.
US Signals Long-Term Role in Venezuela
In an interview published by The New York Times, Trump suggested that U.S. oversight of Venezuela could extend well beyond the short term.
Asked whether American involvement would last months or a year, Trump said:
“I would say much longer.”
He added that Washington plans to rebuild Venezuela’s economy in a “very profitable way,” with oil playing a central role in that strategy.
Washington to Control Venezuelan Oil Sales
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States should control the sale of Venezuelan oil and its revenue to drive political and economic change in the country.
“We need to have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that must happen in Venezuela,” Wright said.
He confirmed that discussions are ongoing with American oil companies about the conditions required for operating in Venezuela and selling crude to U.S. refineries.
Oil at the Centre of US Strategy
Trump has said Venezuela would supply between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, a deal potentially worth up to $2.8 billion at current prices. Reports by Reuters and the Wall Street Journal say the administration is also considering exerting control over Venezuela’s state-run oil company, PDVSA.
Despite holding the world’s largest oil reserves, Venezuela currently produces less than 1 percent of global supply.
Regional and Global Reactions
The operation has triggered strong reactions across Latin America and beyond. Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially condemned the move as a violation of sovereignty before later adopting a more conciliatory tone following direct talks with Trump.
Russia has accused the United States of violating international law after U.S. forces seized Venezuela-linked oil tankers in international waters, further intensifying global tensions around the operation.
A Defining Moment for US Foreign Policy
The White House insists the capture of Maduro and subsequent actions form part of a long-term plan aimed at stabilising Venezuela and reshaping its economy. Critics, however, warn that prolonged U.S. control over Venezuelan oil and governance could deepen geopolitical rifts and set a controversial precedent.
As Trump put it during his address:
“We will rebuild it, but we will also protect American interests.”