The U.S. president said stronger armed forces have delivered results in Venezuela and other international arenas. He also said Caracas is cooperating with Washington to increase oil production.
The Daily Journal. — U.S. President Donald Trump cited the January 3 military operation in Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro as one of the successes of his foreign policy while defending his administration’s record investment in the U.S. Armed Forces.
During a televised address from the White House on Thursday night, Trump said U.S. military strength has played a decisive role in achieving strategic objectives abroad. He also argued that the United States now possesses “the strongest and most powerful military in the world.”
“We are making a record investment in our Armed Forces, and we have, by far, the strongest and most powerful military in the world,” the president said.
Trump linked the military buildup to actions taken during his administration and argued that the United States is now putting those capabilities to work in several international arenas.
“I built it during my first term, and unfortunately, we are now forced to use it,” he said.
As an example of those results, Trump pointed to Venezuela while discussing the progress of his foreign policy.
“We won in Venezuela, which is now working with us to produce millions and millions of barrels of oil,” he said.
The president did not provide details about the operation he referenced or explain the mechanisms for oil cooperation with Caracas. Instead, he presented Venezuela as one of the achievements of his strategy of pressure backed by military capabilities.
Iran, another front in Trump’s strategy
Trump also identified Iran as another country where, according to him, the United States is making significant progress.
“Likewise, we are making tremendous progress in Iran, and you will soon see the results of that work,” he said.
Trump made those remarks while defending increased funding for the U.S. Armed Forces and emphasizing military strength as a central instrument of American foreign policy.
“The United States is back, and it is doing tremendously well,” Trump concluded.
