Trump Points to Pentagon for Answer on Venezuela

During a press conference, a reporter asked President Trump who would run Venezuela on a temporary basis. In response, the President did not name a person. Instead, he turned and pointed to the U.S. defense officials standing behind him. One of those officials was Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He later appeared on "CBS Evening News" to discuss the moment. The gesture highlights that any U.S. plan for Venezuela would involve the Department of Defense. The exchange shows the President setting the terms of the discussion. He directed the question toward military leadership rather than civilian administration. Venezuela has been in a political and economic crisis for years. The U.S. and other nations recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's legitimate president.