US President Donald Trump has suggested that American oversight of Venezuela — including control of its oil resources and post-conflict governance — could extend for years, not months, following a dramatic US military operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power, according to a wide-ranging interview published by The New York Times.

Asked how long Washington might remain directly involved in Venezuela’s governance, Trump said “only time will tell,” and when pressed if it might be more than a year, he responded, “I would say much longer.” He described plans to “rebuild” Venezuela’s economy “in a very profitable way,” emphasizing that the United States would use and export Venezuelan oil — and channel some of the resulting revenue back to Venezuela as part of stabilisation efforts.

Trump reiterated his administration’s intent to control the sale and export of Venezuelan oil, a policy he believes can help lower global energy prices and generate funds for Venezuelans in need. Earlier this week, his administration unveiled a plan to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil previously blocked by sanctions, a move that signals a prolonged American role in the country’s energy sector.

The comments come amid lingering questions about the legal and political basis for US involvement in Venezuela following the January 3 operation in Caracas. US special forces captured Maduro in a night raid, transporting him to New York to face federal drug-trafficking charges — a move that has sparked global debate over sovereignty, international law, and the future of Venezuelan governance.

Trump did not specify timelines for elections in Venezuela or clearly outline when US oversight might end. He declined to answer why his administration chose to recognise Vice President Delcy Rodríguez — a former Maduro loyalist — as interim leader instead of backing opposition figures such as María Corina Machado, who had led a 2024 election effort. Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Rodríguez remain in “constant communication,” reflecting ongoing coordination between Washington and interim authorities.

Trump’s remarks underscore a significant shift in US foreign policy, blending traditional geopolitical interests with aggressive resource management. Analysts note that Venezuela’s oil reserves — the largest in the world — have long made the country a strategic focal point in global energy markets.

Critics argue that extended US control over Venezuelan resources and governance raises questions about sovereignty and international norms, while supporters say stability and economic recovery in Venezuela may require long-term international involvement. As the situation evolves, Washington’s role in Caracas continues to draw both domestic and international scrutiny, with its implications likely to shape US-Latin America relations for years to come.