Venezuela will be 'run' by US as Trump pals take control of oil reserves

Strike 'a dangerous, cynical act of imperialism'

- BY DAN VEVERS Chief Reporter

VENEZUELA will be “run” by members of Donald Trump's Cabinet, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, the President announced last night.

He said the US would take charge at least temporarily and would tap Venezuela's vast oil reserves to sell “large amounts” to other nations.

The legal authority for what amounts to an invasion and takeover of a sovereign nation was not immediately clear.

The White House did not seek the approval of Congress before the strikes, which Rubio said was to protect the integrity of the operation.

Political leaders around the world questioned the legality of the move.

John Swinney said he is “deeply concerned”.

The military action was denounced by other Scottish politicians as “outrageous” and a “dangerous and cynical act of imperialism”. However, the First Minister stopped short of criticising the US and branded Maduro an “illegitimate” leader after his presidential victory in 2024 was widely seen as fraudulent.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier also refused to condemn Trump but said the UK hadn't been involved in the operation.

Swinney said: “I am deeply concerned at the events we have witnessed unfold in Venezuela over the course of today.