In a significant development, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new agreement with the Venezuelan government concerning the extraction of gold and other minerals. This announcement was made during the “Shield of America” summit, following the U.S. military’s operation in Venezuela earlier this month.
Trump stated, “This week we officially recognized the Venezuelan government. We have legally acknowledged it. We have also just signed a historic gold agreement, which will allow our two countries to collaborate on the sale of Venezuelan gold and other minerals. They have substantial gold reserves and good land.” This agreement marks a notable shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
“This week we officially recognized the Venezuelan government. We have legally acknowledged it. We have also just signed a historic gold agreement.” — Donald Trump
In addition to the gold agreement, Trump reiterated his stance on Cuba, indicating that changes are anticipated in the country, although he noted that Cuba is currently a lower priority for his administration. He characterized the Cuban regime as long-standing and detrimental, mentioning that Cuba previously received financial support and oil from Venezuela, which has now ceased.
“They have a bad regime, which has been bad for a long time. They used to receive money from Venezuela. They received oil from Venezuela. But they have no money from Venezuela, no oil, nothing.” — Donald Trump
Trump also revealed that the Cuban government is in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding a potential agreement. He expressed a desire for a regime change in Cuba, favoring a pro-American government.
In a separate military operation on January 3, U.S. forces conducted strikes in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital. In response, the Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency and mobilized its armed forces, announcing intentions to report the U.S. actions to the United Nations and other organizations for condemnation.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed that U.S. forces targeted various military and governmental sites in Venezuela, including the country’s parliament.
Maria Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, urged Venezuelans to take control of their government and to prepare for directives communicated through official channels.
Subsequently, Trump reported that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and brought to the U.S., where they face charges including drug trafficking, cocaine smuggling, and illegal possession of weapons and explosives. They have been placed in a federal detention center in Brooklyn, New York.
Both Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty, with Maduro asserting his position as the legitimate president of Venezuela and claiming to be a prisoner of war. He did not request release from custody, and a court hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
Delcy Rodriguez, the Vice President and acting President of Venezuela, addressed the nation, asserting the existence of a “national government” and reaffirming Maduro as the “sole president of Venezuela.” However, she later expressed willingness to cooperate with the U.S. Trump confirmed that Rodriguez is collaborating with American officials but warned that failure to comply could lead to a second military operation in Venezuela.
Previously, Trump threatened that Rodriguez would face severe consequences, potentially greater than those faced by Maduro, if she did not adhere to Washington’s demands. On January 5, Rodriguez indicated her readiness to engage with the U.S. and called for dialogue rather than confrontation.
On January 10, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that some sanctions might be lifted to facilitate oil sales from Venezuela.
The U.S. has formalized a gold extraction agreement with Venezuela, coinciding with military operations in the country. President Trump emphasized cooperation while addressing issues related to Cuba and the ongoing political situation in Venezuela.