Comment by array_key_first

Multiple reasons:

1. Trump lies more than he tells the truth. What that means is that when this administration makes a claim, we must assume it is a lie, and then try to prove it's not a lie. Yes, this is the opposite of how it usually is and no, there is no other reasonable way to go about it.

2. Venezuela has the largest amount of oil reserves in the world.

3. The oil Venezuela has is crude oil, which the US is adept at extracting.

4. There has been past tension between Venezuela and US oil companies, so I think we can all see where this is going.

5. Most US-backed coups are done for reasons outside of official statements. Usually economic and political control reasons.

6. Therefore, the most reasonable answer is that this was done for economic (oil) and political control reasons.