The United States of America has stepped back from President Donald Trump’s earlier declaration that Washington would govern Venezuela following the abduction of its President, Nicolas Maduro.
The reversal was announced on Sunday by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who said the United States would not assume day-to-day governance of Venezuela beyond enforcing an existing oil blockade.
Rubio’s remarks contrast sharply with Trump’s earlier claim that the US would at least temporarily “run” the oil-rich South American nation, a statement that raised fears of a Washington-controlled governing structure in Caracas.
According to Rubio, US involvement would be limited to the enforcement of an oil quarantine already imposed on sanctioned tankers before Maduro was taken into US custody on Saturday.
He added that the oil blockade would be used as leverage to pressure Venezuela into making policy changes.
Trump’s initial comments triggered global concern over the implications of America’s apparent attempt at regime change in Venezuela and what it could mean for international order.
Rubio’s clarification appeared aimed at calming fears of direct US administrative control, even as Washington maintains economic pressure through sanctions.
Following the US military operation and Maduro’s abduction, several airlines announced expanded flight schedules as services gradually resumed in the region.
American Airlines said it was offering more than two dozen additional flights on Sunday and Monday, including round-trip services to Antigua, Curacao and Puerto Rico.
United Airlines added at least 14 flights, while Delta Air Lines said it added three extra flights on Sunday.
Southwest Airlines also announced additional round-trip flights to Puerto Rico for Sunday and Monday, including services to Aruba.
Venezuela’s Defence Minister has demanded the immediate release of Maduro, insisting that he remains the country’s rightful leader.
In a nationwide radio and television broadcast, the country’s General-in-Chief, Vladimir Padrino López, said the armed forces “categorically reject the cowardly kidnapping” of the president.
Despite the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Venezuela’s interim leadership structure remains largely unchanged.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who was named interim president following Maduro’s detention, continues to lead the government alongside officials who supported Maduro’s rule for years.
The Venezuelan military has publicly declared its backing for Rodríguez, reaffirming its loyalty to the existing power structure.