Trump: "We Are in Charge of Venezuela... If They Misbehave, a Second Strike Will Follow"

Venezuela's Reconstruction Comes First
Colombia Won't Last Long... Cuba Will Collapse
Reiterates the Need for Greenland

On the 4th (local time), US President Donald Trump stated aboard Air Force One, returning to the White House, that the United States is in control of Venezuela. He also warned Venezuela that a second strike could be launched if it does not behave properly.

US President Donald Trump is waving his hand as he steps off Air Force One, the presidential aircraft, upon arrival at Andrews Joint Base in Maryland on the 4th (local time). Photo by AP Yonhap News

President Trump, speaking with reporters on the presidential aircraft returning from Florida-where he had stayed since the end of last year-to Washington, D.C., was asked who is responsible for governing Venezuela. He replied, "I could answer, but it would be very controversial," and added, "We are in charge."

When asked if he had spoken with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who is serving as Venezuela's acting president, Trump said, "No," but added, "She is cooperating."

In response to a question about whether the United States would reopen its embassy in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, he said, "We are considering it. We have received such a request."

When asked if he would demand that Venezuela hold free and fair elections in the near future, he asserted, "Venezuela is a dead country," and claimed that the nation must be revived through investments by oil companies and other means.

Asked when elections could be held, he responded, "The country is a mess," and said, "We will hold elections at the appropriate time, but the main issue is restoring the broken country."

When asked if he would demand that Vice President Rodriguez allow the return of opposition figures and release political prisoners, Trump replied, "We have not gone that far." He added that "full access" to oil and other resources necessary for Venezuela's reconstruction is needed.

Regarding the question of what will happen to Venezuela's oil reserves, he stated, "We will run everything."

He also warned that "if Venezuela does not behave well, we will launch a second airstrike."

When asked about the endgame for President Maduro, who has been indicted on drug charges in a US court, Trump replied, "There is no endgame. We are simply proceeding with the trial."

Asked how he would respond to supporters concerned that the United States could become entangled in a "perpetual war" in Venezuela, he said, "The voters who voted for me are enthusiastic. They said, 'This is what we voted for.'"

President Trump also hinted at the possibility of military operations against Colombia, another Central and South American country with drug issues. He said, "Colombia is also a very sick country. It is led by a disgusting man who likes to produce cocaine and sell it to the United States, but he will not last much longer."

When asked whether he would conduct operations in Colombia, he replied, "That's a good idea," and regarding Cuba, he said that the funding previously provided by Venezuela has been cut off, adding, "I think Cuba will simply collapse. I don't think we need to take any action."

He also said that Mexico must do more to stop drug trafficking, stating, "Drugs are pouring in through Mexico, and we have to do something about it."

When asked whether he would take action to secure Greenland, a Danish territory, he avoided a direct answer but emphasized, "We need Greenland from a national security perspective."

Asked whether the Venezuela situation would affect relations with China and President Xi Jinping, he replied, "I don't think so. I have a very good relationship. We have the power of tariffs, and China has other powers against us."