Trump says US role in Venezuela could last for years

US President Donald Trump said American involvement in Venezuela could continue for years following the seizure of Nicolás Maduro by US forces.

Trump told the New York Times that “only time will tell” how long Washington would oversee the country’s affairs.

He did not commit to a timeline for elections to replace the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez.

The White House said the US would control Venezuela’s sanctioned oil sales indefinitely to maintain leverage.

Trump said the US would be “taking oil” from Venezuela but acknowledged rebuilding production would take time.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said control of oil sales was necessary to influence the interim authorities.

Trump said Marco Rubio was in constant contact with Rodríguez and claimed she was “giving us everything that we feel is necessary”.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said Maduro’s removal had triggered an “irreversible process” towards freedom.

I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader.

Trump said, dismissing Machado’s leadership prospects.

The US Senate voted to advance a resolution aimed at limiting further military action in Venezuela.