PALM BEACH, Fla. — United States President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Saturday following the U.S. strike on Venezuela that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

During the press conference, Trump said that the U.S. will 'run' Venezuela until a safe transition of power can take place.

"We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump said. 

He also went on to say that the U.S. will use Venezuela's oil reserves to help generate money for the country.

"As everyone knows, the oil business in Venezuela has been a bust... for a long period of time. We're going to have our very large United States oil companies... go in, spend millions of dollars, fix the badly broken oil infrastructure and start making money for the country [Venezuela]." He went on to say, "This partnership with Venezuela... will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe."

Trump also revealed that the U.S. originally planned to do a second strike on Venezuela, but believes it may not be needed after the effectiveness of the first strike.

The president shared a photo of Maduro on social media after his capture by U.S. forces.

Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima. pic.twitter.com/omF2UpDJhA

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026

In addition to addressing the strike, Trump also mentioned the effectiveness of the National Guard being sent to different cities.

"The Governor of Louisiana called, a great person, and he wanted us to help him."

He claimed that crime in New Orleans is down "to almost nothing after two and a half weeks."

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, recently appointed as the U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland, commented on the strike posting," Having served as a sheriff's deputy and AG, I have seen the devastating effects of illegal drugs on American families." 

Landry went on to write," With over 100k opioid-related deaths annually, I am grateful to see a President finally take real action in the war on drugs. Thank you Donald J. Trump for holding individuals like Maduro accountable."

Having served as a sheriff’s deputy and AG, I have seen the devastating effects of illegal drugs on American families.

With over 100k opioid-related deaths annually, I am grateful to see a President finally take real action in the war on drugs. Thank you @realDonaldTrump for…

— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 3, 2026