Trump: U.S. Control of Venezuela May Last "Years"

President Trump has suggested American oversight of Venezuela could extend for years. He made the statement in a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times on Wednesday. When asked about the timeline for U.S. involvement, President Trump said, “only time will tell.” This indicates the administration sees no quick exit from its current policy. The U.S. and dozens of other nations recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president. They reject the government of Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration has imposed severe economic sanctions on Venezuela's vital oil industry. It aims to pressure Maduro to cede power. The president's "only time will tell" remark is his clearest public hint that the U.S. envisions a prolonged economic and political engagement. This could mean years of American influence over the country's direction.