The White House spokesperson confirmed that the United States has a long-term plan for Venezuela. Venezuelan oil will be delivered to the US soon and will be used for the benefit of both Americans and Venezuelans.
On 7 Jan 2026 GMT+7, US government officials held a press conference to provide updates on several issues, including Venezuela, where the US recently conducted a major military operation and arrested President Nicolás Maduro and his wife at their residence in Caracas last Saturday.
Mr. Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, stated at the Capitol building that the US will extract and sell the oil available in Venezuela, and "it will be sold at market prices." The proceeds from the oil sales will be managed so that the US "controls the allocation in a manner beneficial to the Venezuelan people."
"We have very strong leverage to work on stabilization," Rubio said, adding that the US will ensure that "American, Western, and other companies will have fair access to the Venezuelan market."
Rubio described the US's second-phase plan for Venezuela as "reconstruction," which will include "amnesty for opposition leaders" followed by a "transition" process, though he did not provide further details.
The Secretary of State added that Venezuelans "understand well that the only way they can move oil and generate income to prevent economic collapse is through cooperation and working with the United States."
Rubio rejected criticism from some senators who viewed the US actions in Venezuela as "improvised," affirming that the previous regime can no longer move oil or generate revenue without US permission. This grants the Washington government "enormous leverage" and "control authority."
He reiterated that the US made numerous attempts to avoid a forceful operation to arrest Maduro but regrettably those efforts failed. He concluded by saying it is the president's right to act if there is a threat to national security.
Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Ms. Caroline Leavitt responded to reporters' questions regarding former President Trump's claim that the US controls Venezuela. She stated that the Trump administration is maintaining close communication with Venezuela's interim government, and that their decisions will continue to be shaped by the United States.
Ms. Leavitt also discussed the oil agreement crafted by the president and his team in cooperation with Venezuela's interim government, emphasizing that this agreement will benefit both Americans and Venezuelans.
Leavitt stressed that the oil will be delivered to the United States and "will arrive here soon," while the funds will be allocated for the benefit of both Americans and Venezuelans at the discretion of the US.
She further stated that the US has a long-term plan for operations in Venezuela, and the 30 to 50 million barrels of oil represent only "the first step you are all witnessing." Previously, US officials indicated that Venezuelan oil sales to the US would begin immediately, starting with the first shipment of approximately 30 to 50 million barrels and continuing indefinitely.
When asked how the US will ensure the safety of workers in Venezuela, Leavitt said that President Trump reserves the right to use military force if necessary and will act in the best interest of the American people.
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Source:bbc