In a major energy and geopolitical development, President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will transfer between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. The announcement follows a recent U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power.
According to Trump, Venezuela’s interim authorities will hand over “sanctioned oil”, which will be sold at market value. Trump stated that the proceeds from the sale will be controlled by the U.S. government to benefit both Venezuelans and Americans.
The U.S. Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, has been instructed to execute the plan immediately, with the oil to be transported via storage ships directly to U.S. unloading docks.
Trump shared the news on Truth Social, saying:
“I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION barrels of high-quality, sanctioned oil to the United States of America. This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.”
The announcement came shortly after Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Venezuela’s vice president, was sworn in as interim president, and Nicolás Maduro was brought to the U.S. to face drug-trafficking and weapons charges.
Trump highlighted the strategic importance of the oil transfer, telling NBC News:
“Having a Venezuela that’s an oil producer is good for the United States because it keeps the price of oil down.”
This move is expected to have significant implications for global energy markets, U.S.–Venezuela relations, and international attention on the country’s oil industry.
