Mon Jan 05 08:50:02 UTC 2026: ## Summary:

President Trump stated the US would “run” Venezuela, but Senator Marco Rubio walked back those comments, clarifying that the US would not manage the country daily. Instead, the US plans to use an oil blockade to pressure Venezuela into political change.

News Article:

Trump’s Claim of US ‘Running’ Venezuela Contradicted by Rubio, Focus Shifts to Oil Blockade

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Trump administration is sending mixed signals regarding its intentions in Venezuela, after President Donald Trump declared the US would “run” the country. This assertion was quickly followed by a clarification from Senator Marco Rubio, a key figure in US foreign policy towards Venezuela.

Speaking to reporters, Rubio emphasized that the US does not intend to manage the daily operations of Venezuela. He stated, instead, that the administration plans to leverage economic pressure, primarily through an oil blockade, to force political change within the country.

“The US will not be in charge of Venezuela day-to-day,” Rubio clarified, walking back the President’s more assertive statement. “Our focus is on facilitating a transition to a democratic government, and we believe an oil embargo is a critical tool in achieving that objective.”

The apparent discrepancy between the President’s initial statement and Rubio’s subsequent clarification has raised questions about the consistency of US policy towards Venezuela. Critics argue that the mixed messaging could undermine the administration’s credibility and complicate efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political crisis in the South American nation.

The effectiveness of the oil blockade strategy remains to be seen. While it is expected to significantly cripple the Venezuelan economy, it could also exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and further destabilize the region.

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