That’s former President Donald Trump, in an hour-plus conversation with The New York Times’ deep reporting core. He addressed a wide range of urgent concerns, including public international law, the question of Taiwan, Greenland’s geopolitical significance, and the burgeoning market for weight-loss drugs. In the course of that interview, Trump made a remarkable assertion. He specifically claimed credit for having called off a second wave of attacks on Venezuela, though the military flotilla continues to rumble through the Caribbean.
Trump stated that the U.S. Navy armada positioned in the Caribbean would remain intact, ensuring that Washington retains the capacity to launch an attack on Venezuela at a moment’s notice if necessary. He pointed to Venezuela’s recent moves, such as the release of dozens of political prisoners. He hailed this as a measure promoting the “pursuit of peace.”
In his remarks, Trump elaborated on the rationale behind canceling the anticipated military action, stating, “The USA and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure. Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second wave of attacks, which looks like it will not be needed. All ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes. At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL, all of whom I will be meeting with today at The White House. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Concerns about a military intervention in Venezuela used alongside calls for diplomatic outreach showcase the disparity in U.S. foreign policy. Though Trump talked a good game on cooperation with Venezuela’s government, he largely matched this rhetoric with a stiff US military posture in the region.
Now, Trump is preparing to face the most powerful players from the still highly monopolized American oil industry. He envisions the move will have large investment dividends. This meeting at The White House signals a strategic pivot towards enhancing relations with oil stakeholders amid fluctuating global energy markets.
Domestic political pressure is building on the Trump administration. This comes on the heels of a horrific case in Minneapolis in which a federal immigration enforcer was responsible for the killing of U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good. This incident caused a firestorm with federal community leaders and community members and received severe rebuke by Democrats. Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic House minority leader, labeled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a “stone cold liar” and “domestic terrorist.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued a scorching rebuttal to the narrative that officials have been pushing to defend the agent’s actions. He labeled it as “bullshit.”
Highlighting ongoing obstruction Enforcement Democrats have been especially aggressive in calling out the administration on this emerging pattern related to immigration enforcement policies. Senator Chris Murphy voiced his concerns by stating, “Democrats cannot vote for a [Department of Homeland Security] budget that doesn’t restrain the growing lawlessness of this agency.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called this killing in Minneapolis a “five-alarm fire” for the Trump administration. This declaration further underscores the critical and immediate need for accountability and transparency from the law enforcement agencies that play a role in immigration enforcement.
Beyond these domestic, self-inflicted challenges, Trump’s administration is in hot water over its legal authority based on the precedents surrounding tariffs. We’re headed for a critical decision from the U.S. Supreme Court. This ruling will determine whether or not Trump can invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) as grounds to impose tariffs, thus bypassing Congressional approval.
Internationally, Russia’s foreign ministry responded to Trump’s statement about Venezuela with abject horror. They warned that further military actions would “only result in further military and political tensions” and criticized Washington’s “willingness to generate acute international crisis situations.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressed gratitude for Trump’s decision, saying, “We welcome this decision and express our gratitude to the US leadership.”