U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States could launch another military operation in Venezuela if senior members of the remaining Maduro administration refuse to cooperate with Washington’s plan to “stabilize” the country.
The remarks, delivered to reporters aboard Air Force One, also pointed to potential U.S. military action against Colombia and Mexico if those governments fail to curb the flow of illegal drugs toward the United States.
“An Operation in Colombia? That works for me,” Trump said when asked about the idea.
He also suggested that Cuba’s government appears close to internal collapse, citing the sudden halt of Venezuelan oil revenue that had previously supported Havana’s economy.
“Cuba looks like it may fall on its own. Their income relied on Venezuelan oil, and that pipeline has stopped,” Trump said. “Many Cuban Americans will be pleased by this.”
Maduro in U.S. Custody, Caracas Rejects Trump’s Claims
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, 63, is currently being held in a New York detention facility ahead of a scheduled federal court appearance on Monday, where he will face drug-related criminal charges filed by the U.S. government in 2020. Maduro has denied any involvement in criminal activity.
U.S. Special Forces reportedly detained Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a high-profile raid on Saturday that included strikes on Venezuelan military infrastructure and temporary power disruptions in parts of Caracas. Both were extracted by helicopter to a U.S. Navy ship stationed offshore before being flown into the United States.
Senior members of Maduro’s government described the detentions as a kidnapping and maintained that state institutions continue to operate under Venezuelan command.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello issued an audio message through the ruling PSUV party, saying:
“There is only one president in Venezuela, and his name is Nicolas Maduro Moros. Do not fall for foreign provocations.”
Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino said the military was activated to defend national sovereignty. He also claimed that dozens of Cuban citizens were killed during the raid, including 32 confirmed by Cuban state officials. The Cuban government condemned the intervention, saying 32 of its nationals had died.
Trump, however, insisted that the U.S. remains “in charge” of Venezuela for now and said his administration would seek cooperation from the remaining Maduro leadership to rebuild the country’s oil sector and stop drug trafficking, instead of holding immediate elections.
Rodriguez has publicly disputed Trump’s claim that she is prepared to work directly with Washington’s political directives.
Oil Access at the Core of the Dispute
Trump acknowledged that U.S. energy companies should have full operational access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the largest in the world, and hinted that migration and oil security both played a role in the decision to detain Maduro.
“He emptied prisons and institutions and sent millions into the U.S.—drug dealers, addicts, people who destabilize,” Trump said.
His administration has also spoken openly about refitting Venezuela’s oil infrastructure with the help of U.S. firms, a process analysts say could take years.
Republican lawmakers largely praised Trump’s actions. Senator Lindsey Graham called the mission a necessary move against what he labeled a drug network in the region, a phrase that critics say mirrors political rhetoric from the “war on terror” era.
“To President Trump and his team, you should take pride in starting Venezuela’s liberation,” Graham wrote online. “It is in America’s interest to stop the drug threat in our region.”
Republican Critics Raise Limited Opposition
Not all Republicans voiced full support.
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Former Congressman Matt Gaetz made light-hearted remarks about the “capture” of Maduro, referencing CECOT prison in El Salvador, where suspected gang members were previously held without due process.
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Senator Rand Paul said the outcome of regime-change operations in Venezuela would depend on whether it remains financially or politically costly. Most of his remarks focused on U.S. domestic policy rather than foreign intervention.
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Senator Mike Lee questioned the constitutional basis for military action without congressional authorization. He later said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed him the operation was linked to a lawful arrest warrant.
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Lee also echoed claims that the president has inherent authority under Article II of the U.S. Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from imminent threats.
Democratic Leaders Question Legality and Duration
Democratic lawmakers responded with sharp criticism, saying Trump’s actions contradict the anti-war branding that defined his 2015 campaign.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the White House has failed to explain:
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How long U.S. oversight in Venezuela may continue
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Whether more American troops could be deployed
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What constitutional authority justified seizing a foreign head of state
“People fear this is turning into the kind of endless conflict Trump once criticized,” Schumer said.
Democratic House leader Chuck Schumer? No — Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also said lawmakers would consider proposals to restrict further U.S. military action, though Congress is currently held by Republicans by narrow margins.
Outward Calm, Private Unease in Venezuela
Across Venezuela, major cities were mostly quiet on Sunday.
Caracas saw minimal political rallies, and military visibility was lighter than usual. Businesses such as bakeries and coffee shops opened as normal, though some residents continued stocking household supplies.
In Maracaibo, mechanic Jairo Chacín, 39, said he left home to monitor his business amid looting concerns but found the streets empty.
Merchant Carolina Pimentel, 37, said many Venezuelans abroad reacted with celebration, while residents inside Venezuela remain cautious.
A single mother in Maracaibo said:
“I was afraid to go out yesterday, but I had to today. We’re used to enduring fear.”
Global Concerns, UN Meeting Set for Monday
The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss the raid.
Russia and China, both Maduro allies, condemned the U.S. and said the operation violated sovereignty and regional stability.
Chinese officials said the action:
“Conflicts with international law and disrupts peace in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Trump’s comments about U.S. governance, ground troop deployment, oil reimbursement, and regional influence have deepened the sense of uncertainty surrounding Venezuela’s next phase.