Trump says Venezuela needs stability before elections, claims victory in military operation, and asserts U.S. control over key sectors.

Trump asserts that Venezuela must first achieve law and order and economic stability before credible elections can occur, stating opposition leader Maria Corina Machado could only win with his support. He praised her personally but questioned her popular backing, emphasizing U.S. oversight of governance, oil resources, and security. Trump described a recent military operation against Nicolás Maduro as a "complete and total victory," with no American fatalities, and downplayed concerns of a prolonged U.S. entanglement. The interim leadership is now under Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, while U.S. officials prioritize economic recovery and drug trafficking control over immediate democratic transitions.