US President Donald Trump speaks during the House Republican Party (GOP) member retreat at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2026.
Mandel Ngan | Afp | Getty Images
U.S. President Donald Trump said he has canceled a fresh military attack on Venezuela, saying the two countries “are working well together,” on rebuilding the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure.
Writing on Truth Social on Friday, Trump noted Venezuela’s release of “large numbers of political prisoners” which he called “a very important and smart gesture.”
“Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled 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,” Trump said.
Washington launched a military operation in Venezuela over the weekend that led to the capture of the country’s president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, both of whom were indicted on drug trafficking charges. The pair vehemently denied any wrongdoing during court appearances in New York this week.
On Thursday, Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, announced that the government would release a significant number of foreign and Venezuelan prisoners. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares later said five Spanish prisoners had been released and were on a flight back to their home country.
Since Maduro’s ousting, Trump has turned his attention to oil-rich Venezuela’s energy resources. In his post on Friday, Trump said at least $100 billion will be invested in Venezuela by “Big Oil,” noting that he would meet with representatives for U.S. oil giants at the White House later on Friday.
Chevron is currently the only oil major in operating in Venezuela.
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