Trump Jokes About Presidential Bid In Venezuela During Cabinet Meeting: 'I May Run Against Delcy'

President Donald Trump joked on Thursday he might consider running for president in Venezuela against interim leader Delcy Rodríguez after leaving office, framing the remark as a reflection of his perceived popularity in the country.

"After the presidency, I may go to Venezuela and run against Delcy. I may run against Delcy. They like me in Venezuela," Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday, drawing laughter from those in attendance.

The comment came as Trump described U.S. relations with Venezuela as "incredible" following the January capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, an operation that has reshaped diplomatic ties between Washington and Caracas. Trump said the United States had benefited economically from the new relationship, adding that both countries "have made a lot of money."

Trump also claimed that the United States secured access to significant Venezuelan oil resources shortly after Maduro's removal, saying the arrangement had generated substantial returns. He characterized the relationship as a "joint venture," arguing that cooperation between the two countries was yielding mutual gains.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who recently traveled to Venezuela, echoed Trump's assessment during the same meeting, saying the U.S. president was viewed favorably in the country. Burgum said Venezuelans see Trump "like Simón Bolívar," referring to the South American independence leader. "I literally think they're going to put up a statue to President Trump," he added.

An AtlasIntel survey conducted for Bloomberg News in February found that Trump has a 53% approval rating in the country. Opposition leader María Corina Machado registered 56%, Edmundo González 51%, Delcy Rodríguez 29%, and Nicolás Maduro 22%.

Trump's remarks come amid broader discussions about Venezuela's political transition and the legal proceedings facing Maduro in the United States. The former Venezuelan leader and his wife returned to court on Thursday where they currently face narcoterrorism and drug trafficking charges. During the Cabinet meeting, Trump said Maduro is being prosecuted for "a fraction" of alleged crimes and suggested additional legal cases could follow.

Meanwhile, a Venezuelan delegation is expected in Washington to begin preparations for reopening the country's embassy, signaling a potential normalization of diplomatic relations after years of tensions.