{"id":57616,"date":"2026-01-04T13:38:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T17:38:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/u-s-officials-intensify-focus-on-venezuelas-future-drug-trafficking-and-oil-berlin-investigates-power-outage\/57616\/"},"modified":"2026-01-04T13:38:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T17:38:19","slug":"u-s-officials-intensify-focus-on-venezuelas-future-drug-trafficking-and-oil-berlin-investigates-power-outage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/u-s-officials-intensify-focus-on-venezuelas-future-drug-trafficking-and-oil-berlin-investigates-power-outage\/57616\/","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Officials Intensify Focus on Venezuela&#8217;s Future, Drug Trafficking, and Oil; Berlin Investigates Power Outage"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, stating she would face a &quot;bigger price than Maduro&quot; if she fails to &quot;do what&#39;s right.&quot;<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Senator Marco Rubio, outlined a multi-pronged approach to Venezuela, focusing on the nation&#39;s political transition, the return of expropriated U.S. oil property, and the combating of drug trafficking.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Concerns intensified over Venezuela&#39;s role in the international drug trade, with Vice President Vance specifically identifying cocaine as the main drug originating from the country, alongside fentanyl.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>The U.S. anticipates significant interest from American oil firms in Venezuela, with expectations for royalties to benefit the Venezuelan people, as the country navigates a potential transition.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Separately, Berlin authorities are investigating a major power outage, suspecting &quot;leftwing extremists&quot; as the cause.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Former President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, suggesting she will face a &quot;bigger price than Maduro&quot; if she does not &quot;do what&#39;s right,&quot; according to an interview with Atlantic Magazine. This statement underscores the continued high-level U.S. scrutiny on Venezuela&#39;s political landscape and its key figures. Senate Intelligence Panel Chair Tom Cotton echoed a cautious stance, stating that Rodriguez cannot be assumed to be friendly until she proves it.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. Vice President JD Vance has highlighted Venezuela&#39;s past actions, noting that the country previously expropriated U.S. oil property and used it to enrich itself. Vance also asserted that cocaine is the main drug emanating from Venezuela, with fentanyl also originating from the country. He emphasized that fentanyl remains a primary focus of U.S. policy in Mexico.<\/p>\n<p>Senator Marco Rubio has indicated his deep involvement in Venezuela&#39;s transition. He clarified that recent actions were an &quot;arrest operation&quot; rather than an invasion. Rubio also stated that the vast majority of Venezuela&#39;s opposition resides outside the country. He deemed questions regarding a Venezuelan election as premature at this stage.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding Venezuela&#39;s crucial oil sector, Senator Rubio anticipates high interest from U.S. oil firms in the country. He expects that royalties from the oil industry will benefit the Venezuelan people. Rubio also mentioned that Burgum and Wright are slated to engage with oil companies concerning Venezuela.<\/p>\n<p>In separate international news, Berlin is currently investigating a massive power outage that has affected the city. Authorities suspect &quot;leftwing extremists&quot; may be responsible for causing the widespread disruption.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways Former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, stating she would face 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