Is Trump’s Collaboration with Venezuela Truly Beneficial?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Washington, Jan 12 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is collaborating effectively with Venezuela’s leadership, highlighting oil shipments along with ongoing diplomatic discussions as indicators of strengthening relations.
“Venezuela is progressing positively. We are collaborating effectively with their leadership, and we will see how it unfolds,” Trump remarked to reporters aboard Air Force One when queried about the connection with the new administration in Caracas following the US operation that ousted Nicolas Maduro.
Trump revealed that Venezuela had requested the US to accept a significant oil shipment. “She inquired, can we take 50 million barrels of oil? I responded affirmatively,” he mentioned. “It is valued at $4 billion, $4.2 billion, and it is en route to the United States.”
When asked about a potential meeting with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, Trump affirmed, “At some point, I will meet. Yes, she has been very accommodating.”
He also indicated a forthcoming meeting with opposition figure Maria Corina Machado. “I hear it might be happening on Tuesday or Wednesday. I anticipate that,” he added.
Trump noted that oil companies have expressed considerable interest in Venezuela, although he voiced criticism towards ExxonMobil. “I was not pleased with Exxon's response,” he commented. “They are being too clever.”
Addressing assurances to energy firms, Trump stated, “There will be guarantees that they will be secure, that there will be no issues, and there won’t be any.”
He attributed past challenges to prior US leadership. “They encountered issues previously because they didn’t have Trump as president,” he asserted.
Trump also alluded to broader regional diplomacy, including discussions with Cuba, but did not provide specifics. “You will find out soon,” he promised.
In an earlier social media update, Trump declared that “no more oil or funds” would be directed to Cuba from Venezuela, asserting that the US military would play a role in maintaining distance between the two nations.
“Venezuela no longer requires protection from the criminals and extortionists who have exploited them for years,” he stated. “Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most formidable military globally (by far!), to defend them, and we will safeguard them,” Trump concluded.