Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States' oversight of Venezuela and its substantial oil revenues could persist for 'much longer' than a year, following a military operation that reportedly led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. Speaking in an interview published on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Trump revealed plans for the US to refine and sell 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, with the proceeds to be controlled by the US President for the benefit of both the American and Venezuelan people. This move is intended to rebuild Venezuela's 'badly broken' oil infrastructure and lower global oil prices. The audacious declaration comes amid significant geopolitical shifts. Delcy Rodríguez, a longstanding loyalist of the ousted Maduro, has been sworn in as Venezuela's interim president, a development with which Trump claims the US is 'getting along very well.' The former president also indicated an easing of tensions with Colombia, inviting its leftist leader to Washington after previously threatening military action. However, these actions have drawn strong international condemnation. China has denounced the US involvement as 'blatant interference' and a 'violation of international law,' emphasizing Venezuela's sovereignty over its natural resources. Critics within the US and internationally have labeled the move as an 'act of colonisation' and questioned its legality under international law, suggesting it primarily serves the interests of 'Big Oil' rather than the Venezuelan populace. Experts highlight that rebuilding Venezuela's dilapidated oil industry could take over a decade and billions in investment. The Senate is reportedly preparing to vote on a resolution to block further unauthorized military action in Venezuela, reflecting congressional pushback against the administration's assertive foreign policy.