Trump Announces Oil Transfer from Venezuela to US

Jan 7, 2026, 2:46 AM

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President Donald Trump has declared that Venezuela will be transferring between 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, following a significant military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump stated that the oil will be sold at market prices, and he will control the proceeds to ensure they benefit both the people of Venezuela and the United States.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump emphasized the quality of the oil, describing it as "high quality" and "sanctioned." He instructed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately, stating that the oil would be transported by storage ships directly to unloading docks in the US.

The announcement comes in the wake of a US military operation that reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 24 Venezuelan security officers during the capture of Maduro, who is now facing drug-trafficking charges in a New York court. Maduro has pleaded not guilty to these charges.

Trump's administration has been pressuring Venezuela's interim authorities to open the country's oil industry to American investment. A meeting is scheduled with executives from major US oil companies, including Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, to discuss potential investments in Venezuela's oil sector, which has been struggling due to years of mismanagement and sanctions.

Despite Venezuela holding the largest proven oil reserves in the world, its production has plummeted to about one million barrels per day, significantly below its historical output. Analysts suggest that restoring production to previous levels would require substantial investment and could take years to achieve.

The potential value of the oil transfer, based on current market prices, could reach up to $2.8 billion. However, experts caution that the significance of this transfer depends on the timeframe over which the oil will be delivered. If the transfer occurs quickly, it could represent a substantial portion of Venezuela's current output; if spread over a longer period, its impact would be less significant.

Trump's comments about controlling the oil revenues have raised questions about the administration's plans for the funds. Some analysts express skepticism regarding the willingness of US companies to invest heavily in Venezuela, given the historical context of asset seizures under previous Venezuelan administrations. The last major US oil companies operating in Venezuela faced significant losses when the government nationalized the oil industry in the 2000s.

As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the implications of this oil transfer and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region. The Trump administration's approach to Venezuela marks a significant shift in US foreign policy, with potential ramifications for US-Latin American relations moving forward.

In summary, Trump's announcement regarding the oil transfer from Venezuela to the US reflects a strategic move to leverage Venezuela's oil resources while navigating the complexities of international relations and domestic energy needs. The outcome of this initiative remains to be seen as both countries adjust to the new political landscape following Maduro's capture.

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