President Donald Trump declared that the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro “has come to an end,” marking what he described as a decisive moment for Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere.
Speaking at a press conference, he said the removal of Maduro closes a chapter of authoritarian rule defined by repression and narcotrafficking, and eliminates what he characterized as a long-standing threat to regional and U.S. security.
The dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro is over: Donald Trump
Trump emphasized that the United States will remain in Venezuela for a limited period to prevent instability and ensure that the country doesn’t fall back into authoritarian hands. The goal is to maintain order, protect civilians, and create the conditions necessary for free institutions and legitimate leadership to emerge.
Donald Trump stressed that Washington does not intend to occupy Venezuela permanently, after the Nicolás Maduro capture. But will oversee stability efforts until Venezuelans can choose their future through a credible democratic process.
The president framed the operation that led to Maduro’s capture as a precise and successful military action carried out without U.S. casualties. He said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are now in U.S. custody and will face justice for charges linked to narcoterrorism in U.S. courts.
Economic future
Only after addressing the political transition did Trump turn to the country’s economic future. He said Venezuela has been devastated economically after years of mismanagement, particularly in the oil sector, once the backbone of its economy. Trump stated that Venezuela is producing only a fraction of the oil it is capable of producing, leaving the nation impoverished despite its vast natural resources.
According to Trump, U.S. companies are prepared to invest billions of dollars to rebuild Venezuela’s collapsed oil infrastructure once conditions allow. He said such investment would be aimed at restoring production, generating revenue, and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity for the Venezuelan people. However, he made clear that U.S. sanctions and the oil embargo will remain in place until a legitimate and secure political transition is firmly established.
Trump concluded by saying that the end of Maduro’s rule represents a turning point for Venezuela and the region. He said the United States is committed to supporting a democratic rebirth of the country, ensuring stability first, then enabling economic recovery, so that Venezuela can eventually stand as a sovereign, prosperous, and democratic nation led by its own people.
