One aspect that became clearer was the White House’s motivation, with Trump indicating regime change and Venezuela’s oil riches were the major goals. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro onboard the USS Iwo Jima after the US military captured him, according to US President Donald Trump. Smoke billowing over Caracas after a series of explosions as part of a US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Madruo. Maduro – in power since 2013 after taking over from leftist mentor Hugo Chavez – long accused Trump of seeking regime change in order to control Venezuela’s oil reserves. Trump has offered several justifications for the aggressive policy towards Venezuela, at times stressing illegal migration, narcotics-trafficking and the country’s oil industry.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 03, 2026 22:35 UTC