Trump Says He Canceled ‘Second Wave’ Attack On Venezuela
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela appeared to cool in recent days after President Donald J. Trump publicly praised what he described as a “smart gesture” by Venezuelan authorities, signaling a possible pause in escalating hostilities.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump applauded Venezuela’s decision to begin releasing political prisoners, framing the move as a constructive response following intense pressure from Washington. The comments marked a notable shift in tone less than a week after a U.S.-backed operation resulted in the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro—an operation that drew sharp condemnation from Maduro’s allies and ignited days of heated rhetoric between Washington and Caracas, according to the Western Journal.
“Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace,’” Trump wrote. “This is a very important and smart gesture. The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure.”
The president indicated that the move prompted him to reconsider additional military action he had previously suggested might be necessary to stabilize the situation following Maduro’s removal.
“Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed,” Trump posted.
However, Trump made clear that American strength would remain firmly on display. Invoking Theodore Roosevelt’s “big stick” philosophy, he added, “However, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes.”
The president also highlighted potential economic upside for the United States stemming from the operation and subsequent negotiations.
“At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL, all of whom I will be meeting with today at The White House,” Trump wrote.
Following Maduro’s capture, Trump warned that Venezuela’s interim leadership would face consequences if it failed to cooperate with U.S. demands.
“No, if Maduro’s vice president — if the vice president does what we want, we won’t have to do that,” Trump said Saturday when asked whether he planned a continued U.S. military presence in Venezuela—an action that could require congressional approval.
“We’re prepared,” Trump added. “You know, we have a second wave that’s much bigger than the first wave.”
Trump said he had already spoken “numerous times” with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez and emphasized that “she understands.”
Venezuela’s release of political prisoners appears to be the “important gesture” referenced by Trump and may signal a broader effort by the country’s new leadership to ease U.S. pressure amid negotiations over sanctions, oil exports, and detained foreign nationals.
The announcement was made Thursday by Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, who said the government was freeing an “important number” of political prisoners as part of a unilateral effort to “maintain the peace,” NBC News reported.
Rodríguez did not specify how many prisoners would be released or provide a timeline or list of names.
Human rights organizations estimate Venezuela holds between 800 and 900 political prisoners, most detained under the Maduro regime prior to his capture by U.S. forces on Saturday. Diego Casanova, who works with families of detainees, said authorities had not provided an official list of those selected for release.
Despite the lack of formal confirmation, evidence of releases began emerging throughout the day. In a video shared by a Venezuelan journalist, opposition figure Enrique Márquez was seen embracing supporters on a street following his apparent release.
In a statement posted on X, Spanish officials confirmed that five Spanish nationals—including one dual citizen—were preparing to return to Spain. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told broadcaster RNE that the group includes Rocío San Miguel, a Venezuela-Spanish human rights lawyer detained in February 2024 at an airport near Caracas.
The remaining individuals were identified as Andrés Martínez, José María Basoa, Miguel Moreno, and Ernesto Gorbe.
As President Trump continues to project American strength abroad while pressing adversaries toward negotiation, the developments in Venezuela underscore his second-term approach: overwhelming pressure paired with strategic restraint—peace through strength.