Trump signals possible US military base in Venezuela

Yesterday 13:13

By: Azzat Manal

Trump signals possible US military base in Venezuela

US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington is considering establishing a military base in Venezuela, opening another dimension in the rapidly changing relationship between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Thursday, Trump was asked whether the United States was considering a military base in Venezuela or elsewhere in South America. He replied that his administration was “looking at doing a lot of things”, while describing relations with Caracas as strong.

Trump also highlighted Venezuela’s oil resources, saying the United States was receiving significant amounts of Venezuelan crude and planned to use it to replenish the country’s strategic petroleum reserves at what he described as a very low cost.

The comments come months after a US military operation in January led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Delcy Rodríguez subsequently assumed the role of interim president, while Caracas entered a politically uncertain transition under close US scrutiny.

Energy has become a central element of the new relationship. In August, the Trump administration announced an agreement giving the United States extensive economic and governance rights linked to Venezuelan oil assets, including guaranteed access to crude from a newly established private Venezuelan oil company. The White House said the arrangement would provide the United States with greater access to more than 65 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan reserves.

The proposed military presence, however, remains at the discussion stage. Trump did not announce a decision to establish a base, nor did he specify a possible location, size or mission for any US facility.

Venezuela remains a major energy producer despite years of economic and infrastructure difficulties. The country holds the world's largest proven crude oil reserves, while its production capacity has remained well below historical levels. The Trump administration has sought to encourage investment and expand oil output as part of its broader strategy toward post-Maduro Venezuela.

The possibility of a permanent US military installation would mark a significant development in Washington's strategic presence in South America, particularly given Venezuela's geographic position and its importance to regional energy markets. For now, however, Trump's remarks indicate an option under consideration rather than a confirmed military deployment.