American Writer: Trump Chose Oil Over Democracy in Venezuela

American writer Jack Nicas revealed in an analytical article for the New York Times that it has become clear to everyone that Washington's priority is focused on oil and short-term stability in Venezuela more than supporting a democratic transition led by the opposition. Nicas continued that within two days, US President Donald Trump held two conversations with contrasting implications: the first with Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's interim president close to the detained President Nicolas Maduro, who is subject to US sanctions for undermining democracy. The second meeting was directly in Washington with Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Despite the symbolic and political difference between the two figures, Trump's stances showed a clear inclination towards Rodriguez, according to Jack Nicas. Choosing Delcy, he continued that Trump publicly praised Rodriguez, describing her as a "wonderful person," affirming that his relationship with her was "very good" after a conversation he said was excellent.

According to the White House, Rodriguez showed great cooperation with the United States, especially regarding opening Venezuela's oil sector to American interests, which made the President "impressed with what he saw" and expects this cooperation to continue, the writer explains. In contrast, Trump met with Maria Corina Machado, but the signals from the White House were not in her favor. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said that Trump believes, "based on the facts on the ground," that Machado lacks the necessary support and acceptance to lead the country, despite widespread indications of her popularity within Venezuela. Trump had praised yesterday Machado's "wonderful gesture" when she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during their meeting at the White House. The US President wrote on his Truth Social platform: "Maria presented me with the Nobel Peace Prize she received in recognition of the work she has done. What a wonderful gesture that reflects mutual respect. Thank you, Maria."

The Best Option The writer explains that before Maduro's arrest, some White House officials, as well as a CIA analysis, argued that Machado and her allies would face difficulty consolidating control over Venezuela if they were installed as leaders of the country, and considered Rodriguez to represent the most stable option in the short term. For the writer, this disparity in handling reflects the Trump administration's view of Venezuela as a strategic file related to energy before any other political consideration. He added that Trump's clear endorsement now of the interim president loyal to the detained President Maduro, at the expense of a fighter for democracy, supports the idea that his goal in Venezuela seems primarily to be establishing a stable oil source, and perhaps later exploring a democratic transition narrative.

Elections in Venezuela? Leavitt said that Trump is committed to seeing elections in Venezuela someday, then added, "but I don't have an updated timeline to give you today." Meanwhile, Machado emphasized – Jack Nicas explains – that "the time is now," and continued: "I told him that we are ready to move quickly and effectively towards a democratic transition." For their part, American officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressed that "the stability of the country" comes first, followed by securing oil, then addressing the opposition file, even if these stages overlap. The writer Nicas explained that these movements in Venezuela coincided with a sharp speech delivered by Rodriguez, in which she openly attacked the United States, accusing it of crossing the "red line." While her government practically continued practical steps towards rapprochement with Washington, including the release of dozens of political prisoners and discussions about reopening the Venezuelan embassy in the US capital, Nicas explains.