Is ‘Don’ Trump accelerating de-dollarization by abducting Venezuelan President Maduro?

 

·       Gold jumped; Dow surged on Chevron boost as Trump/US may control all Venezuelan oil reserves, but it may not be possible in the near future.

·       But in reality, it may take at least five years to develop oil infrastructure (~$100B) for such oil extraction from Venezuela.

·       By 2030, oil demand may be much lower due to the rapid adoption of EV/REs by not only China, but also the EU and India

At the early hours of January 3, 2026, Trump surprised the world with a high-precision surgical strike on the Venezuelan Presidential palace and abducted Maduro and his wife, Flores, to ‘face DOJ charges of narcotic drugs peddling’ into the US. On January 2, 2026, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio made significant remarks regarding a potential surgical strike on Venezuela, setting the stage for the events that unfolded on January 3 with Operation Absolute Resolve. These remarks, reported by various media outlets, reflected a hardening stance against Maduro's regime, emphasizing drug trafficking, national security, and the need for decisive action.

Trump's Comments:

·       We cannot allow Venezuela to continue as a launching pad for drugs into our country. It's a national emergency. If Maduro doesn't step down, we will take action. And when I say action, I mean decisive, surgical action. We have the capability, and we have the will.

·       Maduro is a disaster for Venezuela and a danger to the U.S. If he doesn't leave peacefully, we will act. Watch closely.

This comment was part of a broader discussion on border security and the opioid crisis, where Trump linked Venezuelan drug trafficking to broader migration issues. He reiterated his campaign promise to "secure the border" and described Maduro as a "drug kingpin" who must be removed to protect American lives. Trump's language was deliberate, signaling a shift from rhetorical threats to operational readiness.

Rubio's Comments

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, known for his hawkish stance on Venezuela, echoed Trump's sentiments in a series of interviews and public statements on January 2.

·       The United States has been patient, but our patience is not infinite. Maduro is not just a dictator; he's a drug trafficker indicted by our Department of Justice. We have a responsibility to protect our nation from the scourge of drugs coming from Venezuela. If diplomatic solutions fail, military options are available. And let me be clear: it would be precise, targeted, and aimed at neutralizing the threat.

·       We respect the sovereignty of nations, but Maduro has forfeited that respect by turning Venezuela into a narco-state. Our action would be surgical, focused on Maduro and his inner circle, not the Venezuelan people. We are not invading; we are enforcing our laws.

Rubio's comments were part of a broader narrative that framed the potential strike as a law enforcement operation rather than a war. He emphasized the $25 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest, suggesting that the U.S. was acting within legal bounds to enforce its sanctions and indictments. Rubio's repeated use of "surgical" underscored the administration's intent to minimize collateral damage and civilian impact, a point he would reiterate post-operation on January 3 & 4 during various interviews.

On January 3, 2026, after the ‘Operation Absolute Resolve’ concluded successfully, public remarks emerged from Trump & Co.- shaping rhetoric around events in Venezuela.

Trump posted: The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M. at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Following the ‘precision execution of Operation Absolute Resolve’ on January 3, 2026, President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio made several high-profile remarks to explain the U.S. action in Venezuela as a ‘national interest’ against a ‘narco-terrorist’ regime. Their comments, reported across major media outlets, emphasized national security, legal justification, and the broader geopolitical implications.

Trump's Remarks

January 3, 2026 (Immediate Reaction)

·       Today, we have achieved a great victory for the United States and the world. Nicolas Maduro, a brutal dictator and drug trafficker, is no longer in power. He and his wife are on their way to face justice in New York. This operation was precise, surgical, and targeted. We lost no American lives, and we have sent a clear message to all dictators: America will not tolerate threats to our security.

Trump's initial remarks focused on the operation's success and the capture of Maduro, framing it as a law enforcement action rather than a military invasion. He reiterated the $25 million reward and the Department of Justice's indictment, emphasizing that the U.S. was enforcing its laws.

Later that day, Trump posted, "Mission accomplished in Venezuela." Maduro is gone. Justice is coming. America First!

January 4, 2026 (Further Elaboration)

On January 4, Trump spoke at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, expanding on the operation's strategic goals. As reported by The New York Times on January 5, 2026, he stated:

·       We will run Venezuela until we can ensure a safe, proper, and judicious transition. American oil companies will fix the broken infrastructure and start making money for the country. If anyone tries to interfere—China, Russia, Iran—they will face consequences. This is our hemisphere, and we will protect it.

Trump's comments here introduced the concept of U.S. temporary oversight, a point that drew significant international criticism but was central to his strategy of leveraging Venezuela's oil reserves. He also warned adversaries, aligning with Rubio's earlier remarks on national interest.

 

In a follow-up interview with Fox News at 8:00 PM EST on January 4, Trump clarified the operation's cost and scope: It cost us less than $1 billion, and we got the job done. No boots on the ground, just a few hours of action. That's how you do it. We're not there to stay; we're there to fix the problem and leave.

This interview aimed to counter narratives of endless engagement, distinguishing the operation from past U.S. interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Rubio's Remarks

January 3, 2026 (Initial Response)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from the State Department on January 3, provided a detailed account of the operation's legal and strategic rationale. According to a State Department press release and subsequent CNN coverage, Rubio stated: This was not an act of war but a law enforcement operation to apprehend a fugitive indicted by the United States. Maduro's regime has been a source of drugs, migration, and instability. Our action was precise, targeting only those responsible for these crimes. We respect the Venezuelan people and their desire for freedom.

Rubio's emphasis on law enforcement was consistent with pre-operation rhetoric, aiming to legitimize the action under international law. He also praised the military's execution, noting "no U.S. casualties and minimal collateral damage."

January 4-5, 2026 (*Meet the Press* Interview)

On war with Venezuela: There's not a war. I mean, we are at war against drug trafficking organizations and not a war against Venezuela. This was about enforcing our laws, including seizing sanctioned oil tankers and striking drug boats.

U.S. role in Venezuela: When President Trump says 'run the country,' he's talking about running policy, not governance. The goal is to see changes in Venezuela that benefit the United States and the Venezuelan people. We have leverage, and we'll use it.

Transition and opposition: María Corina Machado is a leader, but most opposition figures are exiled. In the short term, we may deal with figures like Delcy Rodríguez to address immediate threats. Elections are premature given the regime's 14-15-year grip.

Boots on the ground: There are no permanent U.S. forces. It was a brief operation, about two hours. President Trump retains optionality, but this is primarily law enforcement.

Oil control: We don't need Venezuelan oil, but we won't allow China, Russia, or Iran to exploit it. The proceeds should benefit Venezuelans, not cronies.

Congressional briefing: No pre-approval was needed for a precise operation like this. Risks of leaks justified secrecy. This is consistent with past presidents' actions under similar circumstances.

Rubio's interview was a masterclass in damage control, addressing criticisms of bypassing Congress, violating sovereignty, and risking endless war. He distinguished the operation from past interventions, emphasizing its targeted nature and legal basis.

On January 5, Rubio appeared on CBS's *Face the Nation*

·       Our goal is not to occupy Venezuela but to ensure a transition that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people. We are working with regional partners and the opposition to achieve this. The operation was a means to an end, not an end in itself.

Rubio also addressed Chinese and Russian reactions, noting: Their condemnations are expected, but their inability to respond militarily speaks volumes. This is a wake-up call for them and a reminder of U.S. resolve.

Trump and Rubio's post-operation remarks served multiple purposes:

·       Justification: They framed the operation as a necessary response to a clear and present danger, aligning with national security priorities.

·       Damage Control: Facing bipartisan and international criticism, they emphasized the operation's precision, legal basis, and limited scope.

·       Strategic Messaging: The comments signaled U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere and warned adversaries against interference, particularly regarding Venezuelan oil.

·       Domestic Support: Trump’s rhetoric aimed to rally his base, portraying the operation as a fulfillment of campaign promises to combat drugs and secure borders.

·       The remarks also highlighted a divide within the U.S. political spectrum. Democrats like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries accused the administration of bypassing Congress and misleading on the regime change intent. Republicans, while generally supportive, sought briefings and expressed concerns over precedent.

·       Internationally, the comments drew mixed reactions. Allies like Britain (Keir Starmer) and Argentina (Javier Milei) offered qualified support, while adversaries like China and Russia condemned the action. The operation's success, despite these criticisms, reinforced Trump’s image as a decisive leader, a narrative likely to influence the Nov’26 & Nov’28 election.

Trump and Rubio's remarks after the January 3, 2026, surgical strike on Venezuela were a concerted effort to shape the narrative around Operation Absolute Resolve. They emphasized national security, legal justification, and strategic intent, while addressing criticisms and outlining plans. The comments reflect a broader U.S. strategy of asserting dominance in the Western Hemisphere, countering adversaries, and navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. As the situation in Venezuela evolves, these remarks will be scrutinized for their accuracy and impact, defining the legacy of this pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy.

As of January 6, 2026, the situation in Venezuela remains volatile following the U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Maduro's Status

Capture and Arraignment: Maduro and Flores were apprehended during the early morning hours of January 3 and transported to the USS Iwo Jima. They were subsequently flown to New York, where Maduro pleaded not guilty to federal charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices in the Southern District of New York on January 5, 2026. His legal team argued that his capture was illegal under international law, but the U.S. Department of Justice maintained that it was a lawful enforcement of an existing indictment.

Detention: Maduro is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 10, 2026, for a pretrial hearing. Flores is also in U.S. custody, facing similar charges.

Health and Condition: Reports indicate Maduro is in good health but under strict security measures. His legal team has raised concerns about his access to legal counsel and family, claiming violations of his rights as a former head of state.

Venezuela's Political Landscape

Power Vacuum: Maduro's capture has created a power vacuum in Venezuela. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez initially assumed interim leadership, but her authority is contested by opposition figures, particularly María Corina Machado, who has called for a transitional government.

Opposition Movements: Protests erupted across Venezuela on January 4 and 5, with thousands demanding free elections and an end to military rule. Machado, speaking from Bogotá, Colombia, on January 5, urged international recognition of a transitional council, which she claims to lead.

Military Response: The Venezuelan military, led by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, has declared a state of emergency and deployed additional troops to major cities. However, there are reports of defections, with some units aligning with opposition forces. Padrino López stated on January 5, condemning the U.S. action and vowing to protect national sovereignty, but his control is weakening.

Humanitarian Crisis: The operation exacerbated Venezuela's humanitarian crisis. Power outages persist in Caracas and other cities, and food shortages have intensified. The United Nations reported on January 5 that over 10,000 people have fled to Colombia and Brazil since January 3, straining border resources.

U.S. Involvement

Temporary Oversight: President Trump announced on January 4 that the U.S. would "run Venezuela" until a safe transition could be ensured. This involves U.S. oversight of oil infrastructure, with American companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron beginning assessments on January 5. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified on January 5 during a CNN interview that this oversight is not occupation but a "temporary measure to stabilize the economy and prevent adversary exploitation."

Sanctions and Legal Actions: The U.S. Treasury Department expanded sanctions on January 4 against remaining Maduro loyalists, freezing assets and banning transactions. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated on January 5 that additional indictments against Venezuelan officials are forthcoming.

Military Presence: U.S. forces have withdrawn from Venezuelan soil, but the USS Iwo Jima remains offshore, and drone surveillance continues. The Pentagon confirmed on January 5 that no permanent boots on the ground are planned.

International Reaction

Condemnation: China and Russia continue to denounce the U.S. action (in a soft manner). Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, in a press briefing on January 5, called for Maduro's immediate release and labeled the operation a "grave violation of international law." Russia’s Dmitry Peskov echoed this sentiment, stating on January 5 that the action sets a "dangerous precedent."

Support and Concern: Brazil, under President Lula, has offered mediation but criticized the U.S. for overreach. Colombia, led by President Gustavo Petro, has accepted Venezuelan refugees but expressed concern over regional stability. The European Union, through High Representative Kaja Kallas, called for a peaceful transition on January 5 but did not condemn the U.S. action outright.

UN Security Council: The UN Security Council met on January 5 to discuss the crisis. Russia and China proposed a resolution condemning the U.S., but it was vetoed by the U.S. and its allies. A competing resolution calling for a peaceful transition failed to gain traction due to a lack of consensus.

Economic Implications

Oil Industry: Venezuela's oil production, already at a historic low of 600,000 barrels per day in December 2025, has further declined due to the operation's disruption. U.S. companies are poised to restart operations, but infrastructure damage and sanctions complicate this. On January 5, Brent crude prices rose 3% due to uncertainty over Venezuelan supply and the OPEC+ decision not to pursue a production hike further in 2026.

Financial Markets: The Venezuelan bolívar plummeted further on January 5, with inflation expected to exceed 1,000% annually. The U.S. dollar remains the de facto currency in many areas, but de-dollarization efforts by China and Russia are gaining traction among some Venezuelan businesses.

Future Outlook

Political Transition: The path to a new government remains unclear. Machado's transitional council lacks broad recognition, and military factions are divided. Elections, if held, are not expected before late 2026 due to logistical challenges.

U.S. Strategy: The U.S. aims to leverage oil revenues to fund reconstruction and support a democratic transition. However, the risk of endless engagement looms, as critics warn of a repeat of past interventions.

Geopolitical Shifts: The operation has intensified U.S.-China-Russia competition in Latin America. China’s economic interests are threatened, while Russia’s military influence wanes. The U.S. seeks to fill this vacuum, but regional skepticism persists.

In summary, as of January 6, 2026, Venezuela is in a state of flux, with Maduro detained in the U.S., a power struggle underway, and international actors vying for influence. The situation remains dynamic, with significant implications for regional stability and global geopolitics.

De-Dollarization: The Crumbling Petrodollar System

The US surgical strike on Venezuela to abduct President Maduro and his wife to present before the NY Court for alleged narco-terrorism charges is laughable. This is also contrary to Trump’s action a few weeks ago to pardon the former President of Honduras, who was convicted and sentenced in the US to 45 years in prison on similar drug smuggling charges. If we consider all of Trump & Rubio’s narrative at face value on drug smuggling issues, the US has to carry out a similar surgical strike operation to capture/abduct many heads of state, including Canada, Mexico, and even China, for sending Fentanyl into the US-‘causing millions of deaths.

Yes-drug smuggling *& illegal immigration issues into the US are serious; other country seems interested in sending drugs to the ‘super-rich’ Americans. But why are the US authorities allowing it in the first place? Drugs/cartel money (corruption) has a big role in the US politics and authorities. Anyway, that’s a separate issue.

The real issue is gradual de-dollarization. The US is still the global superpower #1 because of the ‘King’ USD as the GRC (Global Reserve Currency). Even now, almost 50% of global transactions, including oil trade, are happening in USD, and thus every country to individual entity needs USD at some point. Thus, the US can continue to print USD at will to fund its deficit arising out of never-ending war/geopolitics to domestic food banks.

The petrodollar system, established in 1974, has been the cornerstone of American economic power. It mandates that oil be sold in dollars, creating artificial demand for U.S. currency and allowing the U.S. to export inflation globally. However, this system is eroding. The dollar's share of global foreign exchange reserves has fallen from 71% in 1999 to 58% in 2024, with each percentage point decline representing approximately $350 billion in reduced demand for U.S. Treasury bonds. Saudi Arabia's non-renewal of the petrodollar deal in June 2024, coupled with yuan-denominated oil sales to China, exemplifies this shift. Russia sells oil to India in rupees, yuans, and rubles, Iran to China in yuan, and the United Arab Emirates processed $128 billion in bilateral trade with China in yuan by November 2024.

Venezuela's potential move to price its oil in a yuan/gold-backed basket, as intelligence reports suggested, posed an existential threat. If successful, it would prove to the Global South that resource wealth can exist outside the dollar system, accelerating de-dollarization. China's CIPS (an alternative to U.S.-controlled SWIFT), processing $436 billion daily across 1,423 institutions in 109 countries, and Russia's Financial Message Transfer System (SPFS), now handling 30% of domestic payments, are part of this alternative architecture. The BRICS expansion in 2023, adding Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia, controls 45% of the world's population, 36% of global GDP (in purchasing power parity terms), and 72% of proven oil reserves. The Venezuela operation, intended to secure oil, instead validated the need for these alternatives, proving U.S. coercion over cooperation.

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