‘Have cancelled’: Trump says no second strikes on Venezuela; pledges $100 billion investment

President Donald Trump on Friday said he has “cancelled the previously expected second wave of attacks” on Venezuela, citing recent steps by Caracas as part of a broader effort to ease tensions between the two countries.

In a post on Truth Social Trump said Venezuela is “releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace’,” and described the gesture as “very important and smart.” Trump said the two countries are “working well together,” on rebuilding oil and gas infrastructure.

“Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of “Seeking Peace.” This is a very important and smart gesture.The USA 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,” he said.

As part of this economic focus, Trump attributed it as one of the reasons behind dropping the plan of a second wave of attack on the Latin American country. He also pledged that “at least $100 Billion will be invested by BIG OIL” in Venezuela, whom he “will be meeting with today at The White House.”

“Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes. At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL, all of whom I will be meeting with today at The White House,” he further added.

Trump’s statement did not specify which firms are involved or provide details of investment. Analysts say that while US companies have expressed interest in Venezuelan oil in the past, concrete investment plans remain uncertain amid political and legal complexities.

The announcement comes amid a period of confrontation between Washington and Caracas. On January 3, the United States carried out military operations in Venezuela that led to the ousting and capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro, who was flown to New York to face federal narcotics charges.

The US and Venezuela, previously at odds over sanctions and accusations of narcoterrorism from Washington, have in recent days given a mixed degree of signal.