President Donald Trump announced Friday that he has called off a planned second wave of military strikes against Venezuela after the country began releasing dozens of political prisoners and signaled cooperation with the United States.
Trump said Venezuela’s actions were “a very important and smart gesture,” and described the prisoner release as a sign of the country “seeking peace.” Among those reportedly freed were opposition leaders, journalists, and activists jailed under the Maduro regime, including 2024 presidential candidate Enrique Márquez and campaign advisor Biagio Pilieri.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision to cancel further attacks came as both countries were making progress rebuilding Venezuela’s energy sector. “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,” he wrote. “Because of this cooperation, I have canceled 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.”
The Trump administration previously launched strikes and special operations to topple the Maduro regime and install an interim government. With Maduro captured and Venezuelan officials now working with U.S. diplomats and energy leaders, Trump has shifted to what he calls a “rebuilding phase.”
More than a dozen major U.S. energy firms, including Chevron, Exxon, Shell, and ConocoPhillips, are scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House. The administration says at least $100 billion in American investment will go toward rebuilding Venezuela’s oil fields and refineries, with the revenue from oil sales being controlled by the U.S. to ensure it benefits both nations.
Trump said that a portion of Venezuela’s oil revenue would go back to the people of Venezuela, while also being used to reduce global energy prices. “We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil,” Trump said. “We’re getting oil prices down, and we’re going to be giving money to Venezuela, which they desperately need.”
American ships and personnel will remain deployed off the Venezuelan coast to ensure stability and enforce the terms of the deal. The Trump administration says the show of force will remain in place as a precaution while rebuilding efforts continue.
The cancellation of military action marks a new phase in U.S.-Venezuela relations under Trump’s leadership. Officials say future cooperation will depend on continued reforms and accountability from Venezuelan leaders.
The post Trump Cancels Second Wave Of Attacks As Venezuela Releases Political Prisoners appeared first on Real News Now.
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