President Trump outlined his post-Maduro plan for Venezuela, emphasizing that 'law and order' and economic discipline must precede any elections, dismissing current opposition figures and celebrating the successful US operation.
Following the dramatic US operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicholas Maduro, President Trump spoke to The Post, stating that Venezuela must first be restored to 'law and order' and economic discipline before any discussions about elections. Trump dismissed current opposition figures, including Maria Corina Machado, asserting they lack the necessary support to lead. He expressed no concern about a potential quagmire and remained noncommittal about supporting Machado even if she won an election, arguing that Venezuela's collapse makes elections a secondary concern. The President stressed that Venezuela's economy is on the brink, describing it as a 'third-world country ready to fail,' and prioritized stabilizing the nation to leverage its valuable oil and other resources. Trump also took a 'victory lap' over the US military operation, hailing it as a 'complete and total victory' executed with precision and minimal casualties, comparing it to the takedowns of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Unfazed by rumors of resistance from Maduro's de facto successor, Delcy Rodriguez, Trump reiterated that Venezuela's political future, including elections, will only come after the country is properly stabilized.
