President Donald Trump revealed in an unhinged early morning rant that he would call off a second wave of attacks on Venezuela.
Early Friday morning, in another soothing session on his platform “Truth Society,” the president said Venezuela’s release of “a large number of political prisoners” was “a very important and smart move.”
“The United States and Venezuela are working well together, especially in rebuilding oil and gas infrastructure in a bigger, better, more modern form,” Trump wrote.
He added: “As a result of this cooperation, I have canceled the previously expected second wave of attacks, which does not appear to be needed, but for safety and security purposes all ships will remain in place.”
Nicolás Maduro and his wife Celia Flores were handcuffed after landing at a Manhattan helicopter pad. / XNY/Star Max / GC Image
The 79-year-old president revealed his military action days after the United States launched a late-night military attack on Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Silas Flores. They were taken from a compound in Caracas to New York to face federal drug trafficking and other charges. Trump later declared that the United States was “in charge” of the South American country.
In an interview with The New York Times on Thursday, Trump said “only time will tell” how long the United States plans to control Venezuela. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.
Nicolás Maduro was escorted by heavily armed federal agents after his arrest over the weekend. / XNY/Star Max / GC Image
It is unclear how many political prisoners will be released. Those released Thursday included opposition leader Biagio Pilieri and 2024 presidential election candidate Enrique Márquez.
Jorge Rodriguez, brother of Venezuela’s acting president and speaker of the National Assembly, said a “considerable” number of people would be released. “See this as a gesture by the Bolivarian (Venezuela) government, whose overall purpose is to seek peace,” he said.
Trump administration officials on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping plan to take over Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely.
On Friday, the president claimed on Truth Social that “Big Oil will invest at least $100 billion,” adding that he would meet with oil company executives at the White House.
He told the Times that the United States would “rebuild” Venezuela in a “very profitable way.”
“We’re going to use the oil, we’re going to get the oil. We’re going to lower the price of oil and we’re going to provide Venezuela with money that they desperately need,” Trump said.
Trump also revealed on Fox News Hannity On Thursday night, he was due to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado next week.
“She’s a very nice person,” Trump said. “I know she’ll be here sometime next week and I’m looking forward to saying hello to her.”