Trump's vague claims about the U.S. running Venezuela raise questions

President Trump has said the United States will 'run' Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro's ouster, but administration statements have been broad and sometimes contradictory, and officials and former diplomats say few details about post-oust governance have been provided.

President Donald Trump has said the United States will "run" Venezuela after the ouster of Nicolás Maduro. He has offered few operational details about how that would work. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has at times framed U.S. influence in terms of sanctions rather than day-to-day governance. That vagueness has prompted questions from lawmakers and former diplomats about the level of planning behind the move. Key points: - The administration ordered U.S. forces to capture Maduro and bring him to New York to face federal drug-trafficking charges, according to officials and statements cited in reporting. - Public statements have been broad and at times inconsistent: the president spoke of "running" Venezuela while the secretary of state emphasized using sanctions and other leverage rather than direct governance. - Former diplomats and some current officials speaking on condition of anonymity say they are not aware of detailed preparations for a military occupation or an interim civilian governing authority. Summary: The situation has raised questions among lawmakers and former officials about preparedness for managing a large country after a leader's removal, contrasting with the extended planning that preceded past U.S. interventions. Undetermined at this time.