‘It was always about oil’: Venezuela’s interim president slams Trump’s ‘greedy’ strikes
Cracas: Speaking at the Venezuelan Parliament on Thursday, Delcy Rodriguez slammed former President Donald Trump, saying US strikes and accusations were a cover for controlling Venezuela’s vast oil resources.
“All these allegations about drug trafficking, democracy, and human rights were excuses,” Rodriguez said. “What has always been present is the threat that Venezuela’s oil must be handed over to the global North.” She emphasised that Venezuela is open to energy partnerships that are fair and governed by formal contracts.
How did Trump justify US actions in Venezuela?
Trump accused Nicolás Maduro of supporting narco-terrorists and oversaw US military strikes in early January, including Maduro’s capture. Trump has since claimed that Washington will control Venezuela’s oil production and revenues, directing purchases towards American goods, medicines, and energy equipment. The administration has also seized sanctioned Venezuelan tankers to manage future crude sales globally.
What is the global reaction?
The strikes have provoked international criticism:
- Russia condemned the seizure of its oil tanker as a violation of maritime law, warning of heightened tensions.
- European leaders including France, Germany, and Italy expressed concern over the US approach, particularly regarding Greenland and Venezuela.
- Emmanuel Macron called US actions “disorderly” and a sign of great powers attempting to divide the world.
What about Greenland and US strategic interests?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials have reinforced Trump’s broader geopolitical ambitions, including acquiring Greenland. While Trump suggested the US could oversee Venezuela for an indefinite period, Denmark and Greenland’s officials emphasised sovereignty, reiterating that “nothing about Greenland without Greenland.” The island’s Arctic position and mineral wealth have made it a strategic priority.
How is Congress responding to Trump’s actions?
US lawmakers are considering war powers resolutions to limit Trump’s ability to launch further attacks in Venezuela without congressional approval. Some Republicans, like Sen. Lindsey Graham, supported Trump’s broad military authority, while others, including Thom Tillis and Sen. Rand Paul, questioned whether the president could act unilaterally.
What does this mean for Venezuela’s oil?
Venezuela holds one of the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Control over its production allows the US administration to influence global oil markets and energy security. Rodriguez stated that her government remains willing to cooperate on energy partnerships, but insists agreements must benefit all parties and adhere to international law.
Delcy Rodriguez’s statements frame US intervention as motivated by oil greed rather than genuine concern for democracy or human rights. As tensions escalate between Washington and Caracas, and with Greenland in the spotlight, the struggle over resources and sovereignty signals a volatile phase in global geopolitics.