> At a Glance
> – President Trump rules out Venezuelan elections within 30 days after U.S. forces arrest Nicolás Maduro
> – Reconstruction of energy infrastructure could take up to 18 months with U.S. oil-company subsidies
> – Trump names Rubio, Hegseth, Miller and Vance to oversee U.S. role, but says he is “ultimately in charge”
> – Why it matters: The move signals a long-term U.S. commitment that may reshape regional politics and energy markets
President Trump says Venezuela will not hold new elections in the next month because the country must first be “nursed back to health” after the weekend capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces.
Reconstruction Before Elections
Trump told NBC News the electoral timetable is on hold until basic systems are restored.
“We have to fix the country first. You can’t have an election. There’s no way the people could even vote,” he said, predicting a lengthy rebuilding phase.
Oil companies may lead the effort, with Washington reimbursing their costs:
- Rebuild energy infrastructure within 18 months
- Subsidies funded by U.S. or future revenue
- “Tremendous amount of money” required
Who Runs the U.S. Effort
Trump identified four key officials steering policy:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio – direct contact with acting president Delcy Rodríguez
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth – military oversight
- Deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller – strategic planning
- Vice President JD Vance – high-level coordination
When asked who is in charge of the overall mission, Trump replied with one word: “Me.”
Maduro’s Legal Status
Hours before the interview, Maduro was arraigned in New York on narco-terrorism and cocaine-importation charges. He pleaded not guilty and still claims to be Venezuela’s leader even as Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president.
Trump denied any pre-raid deal with Caracas officials but acknowledged “a lot of people wanted to make a deal.”
Further Action Possible
Trump warned a second U.S. military incursion remains an option if Rodríguez stops cooperating, though he expects continued collaboration. He said American forces “anticipated” returning but have not needed to so far.
> “We’re prepared to do it. We anticipated doing it, actually.”
Greenland Still on Agenda
In the same interview, Trump reiterated interest in acquiring Greenland for national-security reasons, claiming both the U.S. and the EU would benefit.
Key Takeaways
- No Venezuelan election inside 30 days; timeline undefined
- U.S. may finance oil-sector reconstruction lasting under 18 months
- Trump personally heads the mission, supported by four senior officials
- Further U.S. military action is possible if cooperation wanes
- Maduro faces federal drug charges while Rodríguez assumes interim leadership
The administration’s stance deepens U.S. involvement in Venezuela with no clear exit date.
