Trump is unlikely fazed, as his plan to dominate Venezuela and its vast oil reserves unfolds. "We're in charge," Trump announced late Sunday. This was hours after Trump threatened that she'd pay a "very big price, probably bigger than Maduro," if she didn't bend to US wishes. The Trump administration says it retains powerful economic leverage by blockading oil tankers from Venezuela. The US position leaves the Venezuelan opposition -- which the Trump administration says was robbed of victory by Maduro in recent elections -- out in the cold.

Source: Bangkok Post January 05, 2026 10:42 UTC