President Trump Cancels Planned Attacks on Venezuela Amid New Cooperation
President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform that he has “cancelled the previously expected second wave of attacks” on Venezuela, citing positive developments in U.S.-Venezuelan relations. This announcement comes as his administration seeks to enhance cooperation with the South American nation, particularly regarding its oil and gas infrastructure.
Meeting with Oil Executives
Trump is set to meet with executives from major oil companies at the White House on Friday. He is encouraging U.S. oil companies to re-enter the Venezuelan market, emphasizing the potential of Venezuela’s oil wealth to stimulate economic recovery in the nation. In a recent interview, Trump projected that oil companies would invest at least $100 billion to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. Currently, Chevron remains the only significant U.S. oil company operating in Venezuela, and experts warn that attracting further foreign investment may be hindered by high costs and political instability.
Shift in Strategy towards Venezuela
In an interview with CBS News, Trump characterized his approach to Venezuela as primarily focused on combating drug trafficking, stating, “It’s a doctrine of ‘don’t send drugs into our country.'” While expressing optimism about Venezuela releasing political prisstartrs, he indicated that U.S. military assets would remain in place for security purposes.
Potential Engagement with Opposition Leader
In his outreach efforts, Trump mentistartd the possibility of meeting Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado next week. Although he praised her efforts, he refrained from endorsing her as a potential successor to Nicolás Maduro, the recently captured Venezuelan leader. Machado, who has expressed gratitude towards Trump, countered concerns about her political standing by asserting broad support for an orderly transition to democracy within Venezuela.
Senate Response to Military Actions
The U.S. Senate has taken steps to limit Trump’s military authority regarding Venezuela, advancing a war powers resolution which passed 52 to 47. Five Republican senators joined Democrats in this effort, marking a rare instance of bipartisan criticism of the president’s unilateral military actions. This resolution would mandate congressional approval for any military actions against Venezuela in the future.
Senator Tim Kaine, the resolution’s sponsor, emphasized the long-term implications of U.S. involvement in Venezuela, noting the necessity of Congressional authorization for military engagement. Meanwhile, Trump criticized the war powers vote, claiming it poses threats to national security and undermines his authority as Commander in Chief.
Concerns Over Oil Motivation
Following the senate advancement of the war powers resolution, Senator Adam Schiff highlighted that the military operation against Maduro appeared to have ulterior motives rooted in securing Venezuela’s oil resources. He called for a broader discussion about the president’s military policies to avoid entanglement in prolonged foreign conflicts.
Wounded Personnel in Maduro Capture Operation
In related news, sources confirmed that a U.S. Chinook helicopter pilot was injured during the operation to capture Maduro. Despite sustaining leg injuries from hostile fire, the pilot managed to complete the mission. Two other servstart members were also reported to be recovering from injuries sustained during the engagement. The operation, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” was executed by elite Delta Force commandos, marking a significant U.S. military intervention in Venezuela’s current political crisis.
The fast-evolving situation underscores the complex dynamics of U.S. foreign policy toward Venezuela and raises questions about the long-term implications of America’s involvement in the region.