Trump briefs media following U.S. strikes on Venezuela

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US President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listening, in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2026. /CFP

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he would allow US oil companies to enter Venezuela to fix infrastructure “and start making money for the country,” claiming that the US retains all military options until its demands are fully met.

Trump made the remarks at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, after he announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been captured in an overnight operation.

“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can ensure a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” the US president said.

Earlier, Trump posted a photo showing President Maduro on board the US warship USS Iwo Jima on Truth Social.

US President Donald Trump posted a picture on social media claiming that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was aboard the USS Iwo Jima. /Truth Social

The US conducted military strikes inside Venezuela, with explosions rocking the capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday morning, following months of a military and tension buildup.

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Trump says Washington will allow U.S. oil firms into Venezuela, keeps 'all military options' open