Venezuela: White House weighs oil access and democratic transition

The White House is directing post-raid governance in Venezuela while officials inside the administration express competing priorities: securing stability and access to oil now, and pursuing democratic elections at an unspecified later date.

In a private Oval Office meeting last week, Sen. Lindsey Graham told President Donald Trump he was "in charge" of what comes next in Venezuela. The White House has presented itself as directing Venezuela's transition after a U.S. military raid that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture. Administration officials and lawmakers describe competing priorities: stabilizing the country and tapping its oil, and moving toward democratic elections at some point. Public remarks and briefings show different senior officials emphasizing different goals. Key developments: - President Trump has said the United States is "in charge" of Venezuela and has framed stability as a priority alongside eventual democracy. - The administration hosted oil executives and has signaled interest in developing Venezuela's dormant oil fields. - Officials in different camps include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who speaks of elections that align with U.S. and Venezuelan interests, and aide Stephen Miller, who said the U.S. should not demand immediate elections everywhere. - Vice President J.D. Vance is convening regular interagency meetings on next steps, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright is overseeing oil development discussions. - Rubio has spoken with interim president Delcy Rodríguez, while some veteran diplomats and former envoys expressed concern about retaining Maduro-era officials in leadership roles. - Opposition figure María Corina Machado is reported to be planning a visit to Washington in the coming days. Summary: The administration is managing day-to-day governance in Venezuela while balancing access to oil and stated long-term goals for elections. Officials and lawmakers disagree over retaining Maduro-era figures like Delcy Rodríguez and over how quickly elections should be held. Upcoming steps include continued interagency planning and a planned visit to Washington by opposition figure María Corina Machado. The timing of national elections and the longer-term political path remain undetermined at this time.