U.S. President Donald Trump, who deployed U.S. troops to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, said he could strike Venezuela again if needed.
According to Reuters and others, on the 4th (local time) Trump said aboard Air Force One that if the remaining members of the Venezuelan administration do not cooperate with the U.S. effort to "normalize (fixed)" the country, he could carry out a second military attack on Venezuela.
Asked who is in charge of governing Venezuela, Trump said, "I could answer, but it would be very controversial," adding, "We are in charge."
Asked whether he had spoken with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who is temporarily leading Venezuela's government, he said, "Yes, we talked with her," and added, "They treated us well."
On Venezuela's political future, he said, "We will fix the oil issue, fix the entire country, rebuild the country, and then hold an election," signaling he would prioritize rebuilding the oil industry over a presidential election.
Trump also hinted at military intervention in other South American countries. According to Bloomberg and others, Trump said, "Colombia is also a very sick country," adding, "It is ruled by a sick man who likes to manufacture cocaine and sell it to the United States, and he will not last long."
The sick man Trump mentioned referred to Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Asked whether the United States is willing to conduct a military operation in Colombia, he said, "Sounds like a good idea."
On Mexico, he said "something has to be done," criticizing that "they (drug cartels) are pouring in through Mexico and Mexico needs to get its act together." However, about Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, he said, "I like her and think she is a great person," adding, "It seems (President Sheinbaum) is afraid because the cartels are ruling Mexico."
Regarding Cuba, a Venezuelan ally, Trump cited the worsening economy and said, "Cuba looks like it is ready to collapse," adding, "I don't think any action is necessary." He also said, "Many Cubans died due to the U.S. military operation that took place yesterday in Caracas and the surrounding area."