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President Donald Trump said Friday that he has canceled a previously anticipated second wave of U.S. attacks on Venezuela following the release of political prisoners and increased cooperation on rebuilding the country’s oil and gas infrastructure.
In a Truth Social post early Friday, the president said Venezuela’s decision to free political prisoners revealed the nation was seeking peace.
“Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace.’ This is a very important and smart gesture. The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure,” President Trump posted.
“Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes. At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL, all of whom I will be meeting with today at The White House. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.
The announcement came hours after Venezuelan authorities began releasing imprisoned opposition figures, activists and journalists, including both Venezuelan citizens and foreigners. Venezuela’s leadership described the releases as an effort to seek peace, less than a week after former President Nicolas Maduro was captured by U.S. forces to face drug-trafficking charges.
President Trump said in a Fox News interview on Thursday that the releases came at the request of the United States. He praised the government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, saying, “They’ve been great. … Everything we’ve wanted, they’ve given us.”
President Trump cast the developments as a victory for peace through strength and for U.S. energy interests. In his Truth Social post, he said at least $100 billion would be invested by “BIG OIL” and said he planned to meet with major oil executives at the White House on Friday.
Some have cautioned that restoring Venezuela’s oil production could take years and would require significant assurances due to the country’s history of instability and past asset seizures. The White House is taking an aggressive approach that combines military presence, sanctions pressure and influence over Venezuela’s energy future to stabilize the region.