CARACAS / NEW YORK – January 18, 2026 – Two weeks after the stunning "Operation Absolute Resolve" saw U.S. Special Forces capture Nicolás Maduro in a midnight raid, the Trump administration has moved to the next phase of its plan: direct oversight of the Venezuelan oil industry.
In a series of weekend briefings, President Trump signaled that the U.S. is "now running the direction" of the country to ensure a stable transition, while simultaneously deploying major U.S. oil executives to Caracas to rebuild the nation’s shattered energy grid.
The Trial of the Century Begins
In New York City, Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have pleaded "not guilty" to federal narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges.
The "Great Energy Deal"
President Trump has announced the "GREAT Energy Deal," a massive $100 billion investment plan led by American oil giants to fix Venezuela’s infrastructure.
The Goal: To flood the market with Venezuelan crude, further driving down global gas prices.
The Payoff: Revenue from the oil sales is slated to reimburse U.S. interests and fund the "rebirth" of the Venezuelan economy.
Political Shockwaves: The Rise of Delcy RodrÃguez
In a move that has surprised many, the U.S. has entered a "tentative rapprochement" with interim President Delcy RodrÃguez, who was sworn in following Maduro’s capture.
"She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again," Trump told reporters, even as he dismissed opposition leader and Nobel winner MarÃa Corina Machado as lacking the "necessary respect" to lead at this time.
Global Reactions: Russia and China Protest
The intervention has split the world stage:
China: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the "reckless use of force" and demanded Maduro's release.
Russia: Expressed "deep concern" over the violation of sovereignty, though no military counter-move has been made.
The Border: Tensions remain high as Colombia targets guerrillas along the Venezuelan border, supported by the U.S. presence.
