On Wednesday, President Donald Trump declared from the White House that his administration is playing a pivotal role in restoring wealth to the Venezuelan people. He justified Washington's policy toward Venezuela, emphasizing the influx of oil companies and the resumption of direct flights between the two nations.
The State Department released Trump's remarks during a press event where he compared the U.S. operation in Venezuela with much longer military engagements and reiterated the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January.
"In our conflict with Venezuela, we lost zero soldiers," Trump stated, noting that the mission was completed in "148 minutes" with a team of 201 personnel.
Trump highlighted, "We're helping people get rich again," referring to Venezuela's situation.
He portrayed these developments as a positive sign for Venezuelans, claiming, "The country is coming back, and people are smiling again."
Oil Companies and Economic Revival
Trump pointed out that "major oil companies are moving in," asserting that the nation is "bouncing back" and that "money is flowing in."
He linked this recovery to the renewed energy relationship between Washington and Caracas. At the end of August, the White House announced an oil deal granting a private company rights over 17 Venezuelan fields, involving over 65,000 million barrels of proven reserves, according to the administration.
This agreement has also reshaped the political relationship between the two countries. In early September, the White House released details of the oil deal with Venezuela, while shortly after, Marco Rubio argued that the South American country would be "much better off" economically aligned with the United States rather than China, Russia, or Iran.
Renewed Connections and Political Engagement
Trump took the opportunity to emphasize the partial normalization of ties between the U.S. and Venezuela. "We now have flights going into Venezuela," he said, highlighting Doral in South Florida, which he dubbed "Little Venezuela" due to its large Venezuelan community.
Direct flights between the United States and Venezuela resumed this year. The Trump administration officially announced in May the reopening of these routes, and the president had previously stated the restoration of direct flights between Miami and Caracas.
In September, American Airlines resumed its Miami-Caracas route after a temporary suspension due to earthquakes that hit Venezuela over the summer.
Simultaneously, the Trump administration maintains significant influence over strategic sectors of the Venezuelan economy. This week, the Treasury Department updated three licenses regulating operations in Venezuela's oil, gas, petrochemical, and electricity sectors within the new economic framework between Washington and Caracas.
This diplomatic progress is mirrored in the political arena. Last week, Delcy Rodríguez described a meeting with Trump as "historic," amidst a bilateral relationship defined by the oil agreement and the U.S. promise to foster stability, economic recovery, and a potential political transition in Venezuela.
Key Questions About U.S. and Venezuela Relations
How is the U.S. helping Venezuela economically?
The U.S. is aiding Venezuela by facilitating the entry of major oil companies and resuming direct flights between the two countries, which are expected to boost economic activity and wealth in Venezuela.
What is the significance of the oil deal between the U.S. and Venezuela?
The oil deal grants a private company rights over 17 Venezuelan oil fields, involving significant reserves, and is seen as a key factor in improving economic ties and political relations between the U.S. and Venezuela.
What impact do the resumed flights have on Venezuela?
The resumption of direct flights between the U.S. and Venezuela is expected to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and facilitate business exchanges, contributing to economic recovery in Venezuela.