Trump says he ‘loves the Venezuelan people’ exactly one week after attack that killed 100

President Donald Trump took to social media Saturday to declare his love for Venezuelans, exactly one week after he authorized an unprecedented attack on the South American nation that state officials say killed at least 100 people, including civilians.

“I love the Venezuelan people, and am already making Venezuela rich and safe again,” Trump proclaimed, writing on his social media platform Truth Social. “Congratulations and thank you to all of those people who are making this possible!!!”

On Jan. 3, Trump authorized an unprecedented operation to kidnap Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, and extradite him to the United States to face trial on drug-trafficking and weapons charges. The operation included a deadly barrage that Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said killed 100 people, including military personnel and civilians, Reuters reported Thursday.

The attack also included, at least, according to an online social media post promoted by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the use of a secret “sonic weapon,” though the claim remains unverified and unreported by mainstream media outlets.

Following the Trump administration’s takeover of Venezuela – which Trump said the United States would “run” until a transfer of power could be arranged – Trump announced that the country would send millions of barrels of oil to the United States. And on Friday, he hosted oil executives at the White House to discuss future plans regarding Venezuela’s oil, the single-largest proven oil reserves on earth.