President Donald Trump claimed the U.S. is receiving full cooperation from Venezuela's interim administration and will control the country and its oil reserves for years to come, according to a recent interview with the New York Times. Trump stated that Caracas is giving Washington "everything that we feel is necessary" and that the U.S. would remain a political overlord there for an indefinite period.

Trump added, "We will rebuild it in a very profitable way. We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil." When questioned about the duration of the White House's direct oversight of Venezuela, he responded, "I would say much longer" than a year.

These comments followed interim president Delcy Rodríguez's defense of plans to open up Venezuela's oil market. The implications of the U.S. controlling Venezuela's oil raise complex questions about national sovereignty, international law, and resource control.

Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, a resource that has been central to its economy and political landscape for decades. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates Venezuela's proven reserves at 303.6 billion barrels as of January 2023. Control over these reserves would give the U.S. significant influence in global energy markets.

The concept of one nation controlling the resources of another raises ethical and legal concerns. International law generally recognizes the principle of national sovereignty, which grants each country the right to control its natural resources. However, interventions, particularly in situations of political instability or humanitarian crisis, can blur these lines.

The current status of U.S.-Venezuela relations is complex. The U.S. does not recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela and has imposed sanctions aimed at pressuring his government. The U.S. supports the opposition, viewing them as the legitimate representatives of the Venezuelan people.

The future of U.S.-Venezuela relations and the control of Venezuelan oil will likely depend on several factors, including the outcome of political negotiations within Venezuela, shifts in U.S. foreign policy, and developments in the global energy market. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.