Trump Announces Venezuela to Deliver Up to 50 Million Barrels of Oil

Jan 7, 2026, 2:52 AM
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President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela will be transferring between 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. This announcement follows the US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is now facing drug-trafficking charges in the US.
In a post on social media, Trump emphasized that the oil would be sold at market prices and that he would control the revenues generated from this sale. He claimed that the proceeds would be used to benefit both the people of Venezuela and the United States.
Trump directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to implement this plan immediately, stating that the oil would be transported by storage ships directly to unloading docks in the US The oil in question is described as "high quality" and "sanctioned," indicating it has been held back due to US embargoes on Venezuelan exports.
The announcement comes amid significant geopolitical tensions, as the US has been pressuring Venezuela to open its oil industry to American investment and expertise. Trump has previously asserted that the US built Venezuela's oil industry and accused the Maduro regime of "stealing" it.
While the potential transaction could be valued at up to $2.8 billion, analysts caution that the actual impact on global oil supply may be limited. The US consumes approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily, meaning Venezuela's transfer would only cover a few days' worth of supply.
Experts have raised questions about the feasibility of reviving Venezuela's oil production, which has plummeted due to years of mismanagement and sanctions. Restoring production to previous levels would require substantial investment, estimated at around $110 billion, and could take years.
Despite the challenges, Trump has expressed optimism about US oil companies investing in Venezuela's infrastructure. Major companies like Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips are expected to discuss potential investments in a meeting organized by the White House.
The situation remains fluid, with the interim Venezuelan leadership under Delcy Rodríguez responding to Trump's threats regarding the future of the country. Rodríguez has asserted that her destiny is not determined by external pressures, indicating a potential for continued resistance against US influence.
As the US navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, the implications of Trump's announcement on both domestic and international fronts will be closely monitored. The outcome of this initiative could significantly affect US-Venezuela relations and the broader energy market.
In summary, Trump's announcement marks a pivotal moment in US-Venezuela relations, with the potential for significant economic implications for both nations. However, the actualization of these plans will depend on various factors, including the willingness of US oil companies to invest in a recovering Venezuelan oil sector.

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