Sun Jan 04 18:58:07 UTC 2026: Summary:

Following the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, conflicting messages are emerging from the Trump administration regarding the extent of U.S. involvement in governing the country. President Trump initially stated the U.S. would “run” Venezuela, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio has since downplayed the idea, suggesting the U.S. would maintain its existing “oil quarantine” and leverage it to push for policy changes. This difference in tone has caused concern among Democrats, some Republicans, and foreign policy observers, who fear a repeat of past nation-building failures. Maduro and his wife are now in U.S. custody facing narco-terrorism charges and are due in Manhattan federal court today, January 5, 2026. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Vice President has demanded Maduro’s release and been appointed interim president by the nation’s high court.

News Article:

Trump Administration Sends Mixed Signals on Venezuela After Maduro Ouster

Washington, D.C. – January 5, 2026 – The Trump administration is sending conflicting messages regarding the future of Venezuela following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro. Just days after U.S. forces extracted Maduro from Venezuela on Saturday, January 3, President Trump declared the U.S. would “run” the oil-rich nation.

However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has since walked back those statements, emphasizing the U.S. would instead focus on maintaining and enforcing an existing “oil quarantine” on sanctioned tankers. Rubio stated that this measure would provide the U.S. with leverage to push for policy changes in Venezuela, ensuring the oil industry benefits the Venezuelan people and curbing drug trafficking.

Trump’s initial comments sparked concern among Democrats and some Republicans, recalling previous failed nation-building attempts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rubio dismissed these concerns, arguing that the situation in Venezuela is distinct from those in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Nicolás Maduro, along with his wife, is now in U.S. custody facing narco-terrorism conspiracy charges. He is scheduled to appear in Manhattan federal court today. Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, has condemned the U.S. action, demanding Maduro’s release and being appointed interim president by the Venezuelan high court.

The situation in Venezuela remains tense, with residents still reeling from the events of the past few days. The future of U.S. involvement remains unclear, but the Trump administration’s actions have already drawn international scrutiny and raised significant legal questions.

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