The administration of US President Donald Trump is negotiating a military agreement with Venezuela that could pave the way for a long-term American troop presence in the country, The New York Times (NYT) reported, citing US officials.

According to the newspaper, the State Department, led by Marco Rubio, is working on a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Caracas. Such an arrangement would establish the framework for a potential extended deployment of US military personnel on Venezuelan territory.

The details of the proposed military presence remain unresolved. The number of American troops and their potential deployment locations are expected to be determined during subsequent rounds of negotiations.

In an official statement, the US State Department noted that Washington already has agreements governing the status of American military forces with more than 100 countries.

The Venezuelan Embassy in Washington did not respond to the newspaper’s request for comment.

The New York Times described the negotiations as an extraordinary development in relations between the two countries. Washington is now seeking an agreement on military access with a nation that, until recently, regarded the United States as an adversary.

However, the prospect of a prolonged American military presence could face considerable resistance inside Venezuela.

Experts cited in the report pointed to the continued influence of Chavismo, a political ideology rooted partly in opposition to US influence. The movement reportedly retains the support of approximately 10% to 20% of the Venezuelan population, with sympathizers also present in the military and security services.

Their opposition could complicate efforts to reach and implement a military agreement with Washington.

Resistance to an expanded US role is not limited to supporters of Chavismo. Many Venezuelans who reject the movement also view the prospect of greater American involvement as a form of renewed Western colonialism.

Trump’s statements about his intention to establish control over Venezuela’s oil resources have added to those concerns, further fueling opposition to Washington’s growing influence in the country.