US President Donald Trump delivered a live press conference following American airstrikes on Venezuela and the capture of the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro. The broadcast attracted more than 83,000 live viewers.
Trump said the United States will “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” to a new government can take place. He also stated that US oil companies will enter Venezuela as part of the post-operation plans.
According to the US president, no American service members were killed during the operation. He warned that Washington is prepared to carry out a second and “much larger” wave of attacks if necessary.
Shortly before the press conference, Trump shared an image he said showed Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima. In the photo, Maduro appears blindfolded and wearing ear protection.
Earlier, US authorities in New York formally indicted Maduro on drug trafficking and weapons-related charges. The US attorney general said Maduro would “face the full wrath of American justice on American soil and in American courts.”
Venezuela has declared a national emergency, condemning what it described as “extremely serious military aggression” by the United States. Independent verification efforts have identified several locations hit during the strikes.
Analysts note that Trump, who previously criticized the US invasion of Iraq, is now openly signaling a role in governing another country, raising questions about a shift in US foreign policy and renewed nation-building efforts in the region.