Trump, who abducted Maduro, makes election statement for Venezuela! Issues warning to Colombia and Iran

US President Donald Trump answered questions from journalists on Air Force One during his return journey from Florida to Washington. Addressing the operation carried out to bring Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife to the US, Trump said the operation was extremely risky but that only a few US soldiers were injured. Stating that one of the helicopters was seriously damaged, Trump emphasized that there was no loss of life, saying, "We got everyone back and no one lost their life."

Stating that the US military was also preparing for a second attack as part of the Maduro operation but that it was not necessary, Trump expressed that the option of a new operation is always on the table if the Venezuelan administration does not "behave."

EMPHASIS ON TURKEY

Responding to questions regarding the process of Maduro being tried in the US, Trump stated that he was offered a different way out but that it was not accepted. Trump said, "He could have been in Turkey today, but he is in New York," stating that Maduro is being tried in the US as a result of his own choice. Noting that the process proceeded "very quickly and very effectively" in his own words, Trump included the following statements in his explanation:

"For me, the story is this: He could have been in Turkey today, but he is in New York. So, if you tell the people in Cuba that you should stop being a communist dictator who threatens the US, you should go somewhere else. You better accept the offer. Maduro has no one to blame but himself. He was offered a way out. He chose to oppose the US military, to oppose Trump, and he is where he deserves to be, in prison."

"I WILL MEET WITH RODRIGUEZ"

Pointing out that Maduro's deputy Delcy Rodriguez has temporarily taken over the Venezuelan administration, Trump answered "No" to the question "Have you met with her?" However, stating that the US is involved in the process and is in contact with the post-Maduro administration, Trump said, "Yes. I will do that when the time is right," in response to the question "Do you want to meet with Rodriguez?"

"ELECTIONS IN VENEZUELA DEPEND ON THE SITUATION"

Stating that no guarantees were given to Rodriguez but that she is open to cooperation with the US, Trump answered "That depends on the situation" to the question, "So, will you demand free and fair elections in Venezuela in the short term?" Arguing that Venezuela needs to be put back on its feet, Trump stated that it is essential for large oil companies to make serious investments for the reconstruction of the infrastructure, saying, "Oil companies are ready for this. They will go into the field and rebuild the infrastructure. We actually built it in the first place years ago. Then they took it away from us. This is not something that can be done to me. They did this to other presidents."

"WE WILL TAKE CARE OF VENEZUELA"

Not giving a clear calendar regarding the timing of a possible election in Venezuela, Trump stated that the priority is the recovery of the country. Arguing that the country is experiencing a serious management crisis, Trump said that oil production remains far below the level it should be. Reiterating that large oil companies will enter the country, Trump said, "They will repair the infrastructure and make investments. We will not make any investments. We will just take care of the country. We will take care of the country. More importantly, we will take care of the people. Including the Venezuelans who had to leave their country and are currently living in our country; the people will be very well taken care of."

When asked about the future of oil reserves in Venezuela, Trump replied, "We will manage everything in Venezuela and we will fix the country. Elections will be held when the time is right."

"VENEZUELA IS SICK AND IN A VERY BAD STATE"

Addressing criticisms that the US is engaging in nation-building with regime change in Venezuela, Trump stated that they want to see strong and stable countries around them. Stating that the release of oil production lowers prices, Trump expressed that this has positive results for the US. Describing Venezuela as a neighbor of the US, Trump said regarding the state of the country, "Venezuela is in a very bad state."

TRUMP'S WARNING TO COLOMBIA

Claiming that Colombia is also experiencing serious problems, Trump targeted Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Trump said, "Colombia is run by a sick man who loves to produce cocaine and sell it to the US. Let me also say this: He won't be able to do this for much longer." When asked about a possible US operation against Colombia, he replied, "Sounds good."

"CARTELS RUN MEXICO"

Making assessments regarding the entry of drugs into the US via Mexico, Trump stated that drug smuggling by sea has decreased by 97 percent. Stating that similar steps will be taken at land borders, Trump emphasized that ensuring maritime security is a priority.

Calling on Mexico, Trump said, "Mexico must do something, because drugs are flowing through Mexico and we have to do something. We would love for Mexico to do this. They have the power to do it. But unfortunately, the cartels are very strong in Mexico. Mexico must act as soon as possible, because drugs are coming in droves from Mexico."

Trump said that he proposed the deployment of US troops to Mexico in his meetings with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, but that this offer was not accepted. Pointing to Sheinbaum's reservations, Trump said, "She is worried. She is a little scared. It is not nice to say, but the cartels, the cartels run Mexico."

"IF IRAN STARTS KILLING PEOPLE, IT WILL RECEIVE A HARSH RESPONSE"

Upon being reminded of the loss of life in the protests in Iran, Trump said regarding the US stance, "We will evaluate this. We are watching the situation very closely. If they start killing people like they did in the past, I think they will receive a very harsh response from the US."

"WE NEED GREENLAND"

Responding to a question about Greenland, Trump said that the island is in a critical position in terms of national security. Pointing to the Russian and Chinese presence in the region, Trump argued that Denmark cannot provide this security on its own.

"THEY WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO GET MONEY FROM VENEZUELA"

Touching on the US plans for Cuba, Trump stated that economic pressure is increasing and said, "They will no longer be able to get money from Venezuela." Arguing that Cuba's sources of income are exhausted, Trump said regarding the current state of the country, "Cuba looks like it is ready to fall. They have no income." When asked about a possible US step, he replied, "I think it will fall. I don't think we need to take any measures."

"WE HAVE A VERY GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH XI"

When asked if the Venezuela issue would affect relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said, "No, I don't think so. We have a very good relationship. We have a trump card like customs tariffs, and he has other trump cards against us." Announcing that he will go to China in April, Trump said regarding the allegations that the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin was attacked by Ukraine, "I don't believe this attack happened."