Image: from Rahul Shivshankar X@RShivshankar
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies | January 3, 2026
MAR-A-LAGO, FL — Following the seismic overnight extraction of Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that the United States will “run” Venezuela until an “orderly transition” is established. In a combative press conference, the President signaled a return to a high-stakes era of U.S. interventionism, asserting that Washington is “not afraid of boots on the ground” and expects full reimbursement for the operation via Venezuela’s vast oil wealth.
The announcement marks the most significant direct U.S. military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama, instantly polarizing the globe and raising the specter of a long-term American occupation.
“Money Coming Out of the Ground”: The Cost of Intervention
President Trump dismissed concerns regarding the financial burden of a potential occupation. He repeatedly returned to the subject of Venezuela’s oil reserves—the largest in the world—as a source of “reimbursement” for U.S. military expenses.
“This won’t cost us a penny,” Trump stated. “We’ll be reimbursed from the money coming out of the ground.”
The President also claimed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in contact with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s presumptive successor, who reportedly expressed a willingness to cooperate. However, Rodriguez’s whereabouts remain a mystery; while Trump quoted her as saying “We’ll do whatever you need,” other reports place her in Russia, a claim the Kremlin has dismissed as “fake.”
The Shadow of Occupation: “Boots on the Ground.”
While the Delta Force raid successfully extracted Maduro, the U.S. currently has no administrative control over the Venezuelan state apparatus. To bridge this gap, Trump suggested he is open to a more expansive military presence.
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Second Wave: Trump noted that U.S. forces were prepared for a “second wave” of strikes, though he deemed them unnecessary for now.
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Cabinet Control: He indicated that specific U.S. cabinet officials would be designated to oversee the transition.
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The Machado Factor: Despite Maria Corina Machado’s call for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia to assume the presidency, Trump notably sidelined the Nobel Peace Prize winner, claiming she lacks “support or respect” within the country.
Regional Tensions: A Warning to Colombia
The intervention has set off a diplomatic firestorm across Latin America. President Trump took a direct swipe at Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who condemned the raid as an “assault on sovereignty.”
“He’s making cocaine and they’re sending it into the United States,” Trump said of Petro. “So he does have to watch his ass.”
The Continental Divide:
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Support: Argentina’s Javier Milei lauded the move as a victory for “freedom.”
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Condemnation: Brazil’s Lula da Silva stated the intervention crossed “an unacceptable line,” while Mexico joined Russia, Cuba, and Iran in condemning the violation of sovereign integrity.
A Nation in Limbo
As the sun rose over Caracas on Saturday, the streets remained eerily calm. While some citizens expressed disbelief and relief—describing the event as “like a movie”, the potential for a power vacuum looms large. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino issued a defiant call for the people to “unite and resist,” suggesting that the transition may be far from orderly.
The Looming Power Vacuum: A Comparison
| Feature | Invasion of Panama (1989) | Venezuela Intervention (2026) |
| Primary Target | Manuel Noriega | Nicolás Maduro |
| Official Justification | Drug Trafficking | Narco-terrorism / Election Rigging |
| U.S. President | George H.W. Bush | Donald Trump |
| Key Resource | Panama Canal | Global Oil Reserves |
| International Response | Largely Criticized in LATAM | Deeply Polarized / Fear of Quagmire |