The United States asserted its control over Venezuela on key issues of sovereignty and expressed threats of further military attack.
Published January 29, 2026
US President Donald Trump said he has ordered the reopening of Venezuela’s commercial airspace, underscoring the US’s high degree of control over South America’s national affairs.
During Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, Trump added that he had “told” Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez that U.S. oil companies would be arriving soon to explore potential projects in the country.
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“American citizens will soon be able to go to Venezuela and be safe there. It’s under very strong control,” Trump said at a White House Cabinet meeting.
The United States is using the threat of further military strikes to coerce the Trump administration’s priorities and the country’s government on key issues and to dispel concerns about Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Venezuela’s airspace has been closed since before the United States launched its military offensive against the country on January 3, an operation widely considered illegal under international law.
The attack culminated in the abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were then taken to New York City to stand trial on drug-related charges.
American Airlines announced it would resume flights to Venezuela after President Trump said he had asked the Department of Transportation to lift previous restrictions pending approval from the Trump administration and securing conditions.
The United States suspended commercial flights to Venezuela in 2019.
President Trump told the Cabinet that oil companies were “currently in Venezuela, conducting reconnaissance and selecting locations,” without providing further details.
The White House has previously said oil companies are keen to take advantage of new opportunities in Venezuela after Maduro’s ouster, but some in the industry remain reluctant to invest money and resources in the country.
