Trump: US Not at War with Venezuela, Focus on Stabilization and Reconstruction First

Washington, Jan 2026 : US President Donald Trump on Monday clarified that the United States is not at war with Venezuela and will not push for elections there in the near term. Speaking in an exclusive interview with NBC News, Trump emphasized that Venezuela must first be stabilised and its infrastructure rebuilt following the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro.

Trump said that holding elections in the next 30 days would be unrealistic, given the current conditions on the ground. “We have to fix the country first,” he stated. “You can’t have an election if people can’t even vote.” The president stressed that the US focus is on restoring basic order and reviving the Venezuelan economy, acknowledging that the process would take time. “We have to nurse the country back to health,” he said.

Highlighting the role of US businesses in reconstruction, Trump indicated that American oil companies could spearhead the rebuilding of Venezuela’s energy infrastructure, a process he suggested could be completed in less than 18 months. While the United States may subsidize part of the effort, he said oil companies would ultimately bear the costs and recover their investments. “A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent, and the oil companies will spend it, and then they’ll get reimbursed by us or through revenue,” Trump explained.

Addressing concerns of military involvement, Trump rejected claims that the US is at war with Venezuela. “No, we’re not,” he said. “We’re at war with people that sell drugs. We’re at war with people that empty their prisons into our country and empty their drug addicts and empty their mental institutions into our country.” He placed responsibility for Venezuela’s collapse squarely on its leadership, accusing it of exporting crime and instability. Maduro was seized during a US raid in Caracas and subsequently arraigned in New York on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy.

Trump also addressed the role of interim Venezuelan leader Rodríguez, noting that she has been cooperating with US officials but denying any prior communication with her camp before Maduro’s removal. “No, that’s not the case,” he said, adding that a decision regarding the continuation of sanctions against Rodríguez would be made soon.

When asked who is ultimately in charge of Venezuela, Trump responded unequivocally: “Me.” He further highlighted Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s role, stating that Rubio has been deeply involved in communications with Venezuelan leadership and “speaks to her fluently in Spanish,” describing their relationship as “very strong.”

Trump said the United States is prepared for a second military operation if cooperation breaks down but expressed confidence that such a step would not be necessary. “We’re prepared to do it,” he said. “We anticipated doing it, actually.” He also dismissed criticism regarding congressional approval for the Caracas operation, asserting that lawmakers were aware of US actions. “We have good support congressionally,” he added, without providing further specifics.

In summary, Trump signaled a clear US strategy: stabilise Venezuela first, rebuild infrastructure, involve US companies in reconstruction, and avoid immediate elections or prolonged conflict, while maintaining a readiness for further action if required.