US President Donald Trump has sparked global concern after claiming America is now “in charge” of Venezuela, following the capture of long-time leader Nicolás Maduro and the swearing-in of interim president Delcy Rodríguez.
His remarks, made aboard Air Force One, have raised serious questions for the UK and wider international community about sovereignty, oil control, and the risk of further military action in Latin America.
This article explains what was said, what it means, and why the UK public should be paying attention.
What exactly did Donald Trump say about Venezuela?
Speaking to reporters on Sunday night, Donald Trump suggested the United States now holds effective control over Venezuela.
“Don’t ask me who’s in charge… because that’ll be very controversial. That means we’re in charge,” Trump said.
Trump also warned that the US could carry out another military strike if Venezuela’s new leadership does not “behave”. He said the US wants “total access” to Venezuela’s oil and other resources to help “rebuild” the country.
He did not confirm whether Washington would push for free and fair elections, instead describing Venezuela as a dead country right now.
Who is Venezuela’s new leader, Delcy Rodríguez?
Delcy Rodríguez, previously deputy to Nicolás Maduro, was sworn in as interim president after Maduro’s capture.
Her public messaging has been mixed:
- Initial response: She condemned Maduro’s capture as “barbaric” and accused the US of imperial behaviour.
- Latest statement: A more diplomatic tone, calling for peaceful coexistence and cooperation with the US “within the framework of international law”.
“Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace… We invite the US government to collaborate with us on an agenda of cooperation oriented towards shared development.”
This shift suggests internal pressure to stabilise the country while avoiding further conflict.
Is the US really planning to control Venezuela’s oil?
Trump made it clear that US oil companies are central to his vision for Venezuela.
He claimed American firms are eager to enter the country to repair infrastructure and restart oil production, while insisting the US government itself would not invest public money.
“We’re going to have the big oil companies go in… We’re not going to invest anything. We’re going to cherish the country.”
Why does this matter?
Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, but years of sanctions and mismanagement have crippled output.
For comparison:
| Country | Daily Oil Production (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Venezuela (2024) | Under 1 million barrels |
| UK (North Sea) | ~700,000 barrels |
| US | Over 12 million barrels |
Any sudden shift in Venezuelan oil control could affect global energy prices, including fuel costs in the UK.
How could this affect the UK?
Although the UK is not directly involved, the consequences matter:
1. Energy prices
Changes in Venezuelan oil supply can influence global markets, potentially pushing petrol and heating costs higher or lower in Britain.
2. International law concerns
The UK has consistently supported sovereignty and democratic processes. Trump’s comments may put pressure on allies to clarify their stance.
3. Migration and regional stability
Past unrest in Venezuela has led to large-scale migration across Latin America, creating humanitarian pressures that often require UK aid contributions.
