During his address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, President Donald Trump showcased two of his significant initiatives in the Western Hemisphere: the military capture of Nicolás Maduro and the signing of what he called the largest oil deal in history.
The event was laden with symbolic significance as Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president of Venezuela, was present in the room while Trump delivered his speech.
The U.S. President detailed the January 3, 2026, operation without any sugarcoating: "U.S. military forces executed a massive military operation that penetrated deep into the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, descended upon a heavily defended military base, and arrested the outlaw dictator, the true criminal Nicolás Maduro."
Trump asserted that since the operation, "hundreds of Venezuelan political prisoners have been freed" and that his administration is "working closely with Venezuelan leaders to forge a much better future for the Venezuelan people."
On the oil agreement signed with Venezuela in August, Trump stated it covers 65 billion barrels of oil and will "enormously" benefit both countries while helping reduce global energy costs. He concluded with a resonant phrase: "To the victor belong the spoils. Everyone has heard it."
The President further mentioned that by combining the oil reserves of the United States and Venezuela, both nations control "more than 60% of the world's oil," and that "the world's largest oil companies are entering" Venezuelan territory with figures he described as "absolutely incredible."
The diplomatic context was extraordinary. Rodríguez—who was vice president under Maduro and now leads the Venezuelan government that signed the same agreement—listened in person as Trump described the operation that ousted her predecessor in terms of military victory and spoils of war.
A bilateral meeting between Trump and Rodríguez is confirmed for this Tuesday, marking the first face-to-face encounter between leaders of both countries in over 11 years.
The agreement, announced on August 28, covers 17 strategic Venezuelan oil fields, has a reported duration of 25 years, a projected investment exceeding $100 billion, and fiscal benefits for Venezuela estimated at more than $209 billion.
The private operator is North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), with majority U.S. control. A day before Trump's speech, Venezuela also signed an oil agreement with TotalEnergies, signaling the accelerated opening of Venezuela's energy sector.
Trump also addressed the situation in Cuba, labeling the regime as a "completely failed state" and predicting it "will fall," while the Cuban delegation exited the room in protest. He mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is "leading the negotiations" with Havana and vowed, "Communism will never reach America, but freedom will come to Cuba."
The Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, heading the Havana delegation, is scheduled to respond officially before the same General Assembly on Friday, September 26.
Key Insights on Trump's UN Address
What were the main highlights of Trump's speech at the UN General Assembly?
Trump emphasized the military capture of Nicolás Maduro and announced a historic oil deal with Venezuela.
What is the significance of the oil agreement with Venezuela?
The agreement covers 65 billion barrels of oil, with projected investments and benefits that could significantly impact global energy costs.
How did Trump describe the regime in Cuba?
Trump labeled the Cuban government as a "completely failed state" and expressed confidence that freedom will eventually reach Cuba.