President Donald Trump said on Friday that he had cancelled a “previously expected” second wave of military attacks on Venezuela, attributing the decision to the country’s cooperation with the United States.
The announcement comes nearly a week after he ordered a military operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is now in U.S. custody in New York along with his wife, Cilia Flores, facing federal charges.
Shortly after that initial action, Trump stated at a news conference that the United States was prepared to launch a second, larger attack if necessary.
He acknowledged at the time that such an escalation was assumed, but suggested on Friday that it may no longer be required.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States and Venezuela were “working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure.”
“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,” he added.
Trump further said Venezuela was releasing “large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘seeking peace,’” describing the gesture as important and strategic in easing tensions.
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The Venezuelan government began releasing high-profile prisoners on Thursday, including opposition figures, characterising the action as part of efforts to pursue peace and cooperation.
U.S. officials previously told lawmakers that, in exchange for de-escalation, the interim government in Caracas was expected to free detained political figures as part of broader discussions following the military operation.
Following the initial ousting of Maduro, Trump had indicated that the U.S. would effectively “run” Venezuela, suggesting a prolonged involvement. When asked how long such control might persist, he said it could extend “much longer.”
The president also has not ruled out longer-term military involvement and has said his administration will soon expand actions targeting drug cartels on land after months of maritime strikes.
Trump announced plans to meet with executives from major oil companies at the White House on Friday to encourage increased Venezuelan oil output and new investments.
He claimed in his Truth Social post that “at least 100 billion dollars will be invested by BIG OIL,” although industry representatives have expressed skepticism about committing such substantial capital to the country’s energy infrastructure.
Senior Trump administration officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have outlined an ambitious strategy for Venezuela’s oil sector that would involve significant U.S. influence and no definitive timeline for success.
Separately, the U.S. Senate advanced a bipartisan resolution on Thursday to limit future military engagements in Venezuela without congressional approval, marking a symbolic rebuke to Trump’s actions.
The measure, supported by a coalition of Democrats and Republicans, is expected to pass next week