The United States says it will not directly govern Venezuela after its military operation that ousted and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas, but it has not ruled out further military involvement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Washington would instead use tools like an oil blockade to press for changes, as tensions continue to roil both Latin America and cities across the U.S. in protest.

U.S. forces carried out a major strike in Venezuela on 3 January 2026 that resulted in Maduro and Cilia Flores being flown to New York to face federal charges tied to drug trafficking and corruption. Venezuelan institutions named Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, a move she and Maduro loyalists denounced as illegitimate. The Trump administration’s actions followed months of escalating pressure, sanctions, and interdictions aimed at weakening Maduro’s grip on power.

Reactions were swift and sharply divided. Hundreds protested in cities like New York, San Francisco and Chicago, condemning the intervention as illegal and warning it could drag the U.S. into endless conflict.

Internationally, several Latin American governments called the U.S. action a dangerous precedent under international law, risking regional peace and civilian safety. U.S. Democrats criticized the administration for bypassing Congress and lacking a clear post-capture plan.

Experts warn the legality of the intervention is contested, with some jurists saying there was no imminent threat justifying unilateral force and that only Congress can authorize acts of war under the U.S. Constitution. The continuation of an oil blockade and pressure tactics signal Washington’s strategic intent to influence Venezuela’s future without assuming direct governance.

Looking ahead, Maduro’s federal court appearance in New York is scheduled for Monday, and the U.S. government is expected to maintain pressure through diplomatic channels, sanctions, and economic levers. The Venezuelan interim government’s response and potential resistance from domestic and regional actors will shape what comes next.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. says it won’t govern Venezuela but may still use military and economic pressure.

Protests erupted in U.S. cities and international leaders condemned the intervention’s legality.

Maduro and his wife face U.S. federal charges as Venezuela’s interim leaders reject U.S. influence

Adapted From

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/04/venezuela-trump-protests-us-cities

I wonder what the going rate is for paid protestors?

I see quite a few of them dressed for the wrong protest, and notice a lack of Venezuelan flags...

7 minutes ago, impulse said:

I wonder what the going rate is for paid protestors?

I see quite a few of them dressed for the wrong protest, and notice a lack of Venezuelan flags...

I think they spent all their money on Ukrainian and Palestinian flags.

Reality

Amazing that the Guardian didn't bother to show the celebrations of Venezualans around the world, from Argentina to Madrid, weeping in happiness that their country may be free again now that the dictator is gone.

Wonder why...

4 hours ago, connda said:

Reality

The US is already a net exporter of oil and gas. Any additional oil freed up by improving the investment and production situation in Venezuela is going to be consumed in places other than the USA, and it will drive down the price of energy in places like Europe, where their economies are being crushed by the high cost of energy.

On behalf of the American taxpayer, you're welcome.

21 minutes ago, impulse said:

The US is already a net exporter of oil and gas. Any additional oil freed up by improving the investment and production situation in Venezuela is going to be consumed in places other than the USA, and it will drive down the price of energy in places like Europe, where their economies are being crushed by the high cost of energy.

On behalf of the American taxpayer, you're welcome.

Remind me of the "mice tie bell on cat 'analogy. Who will invest billions in production when the world has a surplus in oil and the current price is not breaking even. The news of Maduro arrest only registered a less than 1% decrease in price. Not exactly a significant jump for joy for American taxpayers. So far major oil companies are muted on prospect of investing in Venezuela. Think you are overly optimistic this will turn up well.

1 hour ago, impulse said:

The US is already a net exporter of oil and gas. Any additional oil freed up by improving the investment and production situation in Venezuela is going to be consumed in places other than the USA, and it will drive down the price of energy in places like Europe, where their economies are being crushed by the high cost of energy.

On behalf of the American taxpayer, you're welcome.

It will depends on how OPEC (of which Venezuela is also a member) reacts. There is a long record of OPEC having reduced its production level in order to 'stabilize' prices.

20 hours ago, Hanaguma said:

Amazing that the Guardian didn't bother to show the celebrations of Venezualans around the world, from Argentina to Madrid, weeping in happiness that their country may be free again now that the dictator is gone.

Wonder why...

Good point. Some of those countries in Latin America are so deep in corruption and crime that they will welcome even Woody Allen as their Führer! They would not mind to go thru multiple circumcisions and worship Lucifer to have a regime change. Latin America has been the main supplier of cocaine for the USA and Europe for a very long time and at center of this lucrative business are the chosen ones.

18 hours ago, impulse said:

The US is already a net exporter of oil and gas. Any additional oil freed up by improving the investment and production situation in Venezuela is going to be consumed in places other than the USA, and it will drive down the price of energy in places like Europe, where their economies are being crushed by the high cost of energy.

On behalf of the American taxpayer, you're welcome.

First off, oil is the issue here. Not natural gas. And oil prices are already so low that they're threatening the profitability of fracking. And to restore Venezuela's oil fields to their former glory, the price of a barrel of oil needs to be at a minimum $80.

"Going beyond 2 million bpd in the 2030s will be even more challenging. We estimate that a staggering $75 billion in additional investments is needed to bring production from 2 million bpd in the early 2030s to 3 million bpd in 2040. There is an additional layer of complexity, as we estimate that with current technologies and service cost levels, around 60% of this investment, or $44 billion, is associated with projects requiring stable market conditions with oil prices above $80 per barrel."

https://www.ajot.com/news/what-would-it-take-to-bring-venezuelas-oil-output-back-to-3-million-bpd-rystad-energy-special-market-update

At What Oil Price Will Shale Drillers Stop Drilling?

Crude oil prices fell in 2025 amid oversupply

Crude oil prices generally declined in 2025 with supplies in the global crude oil market exceeding demand. Crude oil inventory builds in China muted some of the price decline. Events such as Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iran and attacks between Russia and Ukraine targeting oil infrastructure periodically supported prices.

On a monthly average basis, the price of Brent crude oil declined from a high of $79 per barrel (b) in January to a low of $63/b in December, which was the lowest monthly average price since early 2021

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=66944

Oil prices forecast to ease in 2026 under pressure from ample supply

The global oil market is likely to be under pressure in 2026 as growing supply and weak demand curb prices, and traders monitor OPEC+ for policy signals and any attempts to bolster the market, a Reuters poll showed on Monday.

The survey of 34 economists and analysts conducted in December forecast that Brent crude would average $61.27 per barrel in 2026, down from November's forecast of $62.23. U.S. crude is projected to average $58.15 per barrel, below November's estimate of $59.00.

https://archive.ph/CrTrB#selection-1331.18-1335.261

On 1/5/2026 at 9:23 AM, impulse said:

I wonder what the going rate is for paid protestors?

Ask the proud boys

21 hours ago, Hanaguma said:

Amazing that the Guardian didn't bother to show the celebrations of Venezualans around the world, from Argentina to Madrid, weeping in happiness that their country may be free again now that the dictator is gone.

Wonder why...

Probably because it has nothing to do with the topic at hand.

9 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Remind me of the "mice tie bell on cat 'analogy. Who will invest billions in production when the world has a surplus in oil and the current price is not breaking even. The news of Maduro arrest only registered a less than 1% decrease in price. Not exactly a significant jump for joy for American taxpayers. So far major oil companies are muted on prospect of investing in Venezuela. Think you are overly optimistic this will turn up well.

You've just made my point... It ain't about stealing Venezuela's oil. We (the USA) don't need it. Europe does. So do some other places.

7 minutes ago, Alan Zweibel said:

First off, oil is the issue here. Not natural gas. And oil prices are already so low that they're threatening the profitability of fracking. And to restore Venezuela's oil fields to their former glory, the price of a barrel of oil needs to be at a minimum $80.

"Going beyond 2 million bpd in the 2030s will be even more challenging. We estimate that a staggering $75 billion in additional investments is needed to bring production from 2 million bpd in the early 2030s to 3 million bpd in 2040. There is an additional layer of complexity, as we estimate that with current technologies and service cost levels, around 60% of this investment, or $44 billion, is associated with projects requiring stable market conditions with oil prices above $80 per barrel."

https://www.ajot.com/news/what-would-it-take-to-bring-venezuelas-oil-output-back-to-3-million-bpd-rystad-energy-special-market-update

At What Oil Price Will Shale Drillers Stop Drilling?

Crude oil prices fell in 2025 amid oversupply

Crude oil prices generally declined in 2025 with supplies in the global crude oil market exceeding demand. Crude oil inventory builds in China muted some of the price decline. Events such as Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iran and attacks between Russia and Ukraine targeting oil infrastructure periodically supported prices.

On a monthly average basis, the price of Brent crude oil declined from a high of $79 per barrel (b) in January to a low of $63/b in December, which was the lowest monthly average price since early 2021

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=66944

Oil prices forecast to ease in 2026 under pressure from ample supply

The global oil market is likely to be under pressure in 2026 as growing supply and weak demand curb prices, and traders monitor OPEC+ for policy signals and any attempts to bolster the market, a Reuters poll showed on Monday.

The survey of 34 economists and analysts conducted in December forecast that Brent crude would average $61.27 per barrel in 2026, down from November's forecast of $62.23. U.S. crude is projected to average $58.15 per barrel, below November's estimate of $59.00.

https://archive.ph/CrTrB#selection-1331.18-1335.261

So basically, what you're saying is that there's no financial incentive for the USA to "steal" Venezuela's oil. We're already producing more than we use.

That was quick, George spreading his money & hate worldwide

12 minutes ago, impulse said:

You've just made my point... It ain't about stealing Venezuela's oil. We (the USA) don't need it. Europe does. So do some other places.

So basically, what you're saying is that there's no financial incentive for the USA to "steal" Venezuela's oil. We're already producing more than we use.

If you believe that the US doesn't need it, butEurope does, then it's clear that you don't understand how the worldwide oil marketplace works.

1 minute ago, Alan Zweibel said:

If you believe that the US doesn't need it, butEurope does, then it's clear that you don't understand how the worldwide oil marketplace works.

I'm a retired Petroleum Engineer. Your credentials?

Is Europe a net importer or exporter of oil and gas? The USA is a net exporter.

7 minutes ago, impulse said:

I'm a retired Petroleum Engineer. Your credentials?

Is Europe a net importer or exporter of oil and gas? The USA is a net exporter.

I don't care what your alleged credentials are. If the prices of oil are low in the United States, then they're low in Europe too. On an economic basis, why should it matter to Europe where their oil is imported from?

4 minutes ago, Alan Zweibel said:

I don't care what your alleged credentials are. If the prices of oil are low in the United States, then they're low in Europe too. On an economic basis, why should it matter to Europe where their oil is imported from?

What matters is the currency it is paid in.

If America runs Venezuela's oil, it will continue to be paid in dollars. This is part of Trump's reasons.

1 minute ago, JBChiangRai said:

What matters is the currency it is paid in.

If America runs Venezuela's oil, it will continue to be paid in dollars. This is part of Trump's reasons.

Payments for most petroleum on the world market is settled in dollars. The US dollar is still the world's reserve currency.

Just now, Alan Zweibel said:

Payments for most petroleum on the world market is settled in dollars. The US dollar is still the world's reserve currency.

That is true, but BRICS and others would like to change that.

Just now, JBChiangRai said:

That is true, but BRICS and others would like to change that.

That would be a very feeble motive. I think Trump's free floating sense of grievance is more than an adequate explanation.

5 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

What matters is the currency it is paid in.

If America runs Venezuela's oil, it will continue to be paid in dollars. This is part of Trump's reasons.

From Investopedia:

Crude oil is quoted in U.S. dollars (USD). Countries that import oil pay for it in the greenback. Similarly, those that export the commodity receive payment in USD. This system dates back to the early 1970s after the collapse of the Bretton Woods gold standard.

It's no secret BRICS wants to change that.

Exceptions & Alternatives

• China: Promotes the use of the yuan (CNY) in oil purchases, especially via the Shanghai crude futures market. Some deals with Russia and Middle Eastern suppliers are settled in yuan.

• Russia: Since Western sanctions, Russia has shifted many oil sales to rubles, yuan, and other currencies.

• India: Has experimented with paying for Russian oil in rupees.

• Iran & Venezuela: Often use barter or alternative currencies due to sanctions.

• EU: While oil is priced in dollars, European buyers sometimes hedge or settle portions in euros.

Only leftists are protesting.

No doubt a New York judge will order Maduro be sent back and reinstated.

🌍 BRICS Strategy on Oil & Currency

• Petrodollar dominance: For decades, most oil has been priced and paid in U.S. dollars, reinforcing America’s financial leverage.

• BRICS pushback: BRICS members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa — now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and others) argue this system gives Washington disproportionate power, especially through sanctions.

48 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

That was quick, George spreading his money & hate worldwide

Ah yes, the old antisemitic George Soros Conspiracy!

Didn't take long to bring out the loonies.

1 minute ago, Yellowtail said:

Only leftists are protesting.

No doubt a New York judge will order Maduro be sent back and reinstated.

If Aileen Cannon is posted as the judge, it will never come to trial and Maduro can win the Presidency again.

1 minute ago, Wingate said:

If Aileen Cannon is posted as the judge, it will never come to trial and Maduro can win the Presidency again.

No, he would hang himself in his cell and all the cameras would be broken...

25 minutes ago, Alan Zweibel said:

I don't care what your alleged credentials are. If the prices of oil are low in the United States, then they're low in Europe too. On an economic basis, why should it matter to Europe where their oil is imported from?

Setting aside the political, (like Russkie sanctions), Europe shouldn't care where it comes from. Just how much is on the market, because that's what affects the price. Supply and demand.

If Venezuela's production can be resurrected, that will increase the supply and Europeans will benefit with lower energy costs. So will every net importer of oil.

Greta may not be pleased, though.

13 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Only leftists are protesting.

No doubt a New York judge will order Maduro be sent back and reinstated.

Myst be hard for you, when all we need to reply with, is told you so.

Living in denial can also takes its toll!