WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States will receive between 30 million and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil following last weekend’s military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the installation of interim authorities in Caracas.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said the oil would be sold to the United States at market prices and shipped directly to U.S. ports. He added that he has instructed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately and oversee coordination with energy companies and logistics operators.
Trump said proceeds from the oil sales would be controlled by the U.S. government to ensure they benefit both Americans and Venezuelans. The announcement follows the Jan. 3 operation in which U.S. forces captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and transported them to New York, where Maduro has since pleaded not guilty to federal drug-trafficking charges. Former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as interim president.
The president has repeatedly framed Venezuela’s oil sector as historically tied to U.S. investment, arguing previous nationalizations amounted to the seizure of American assets. International energy law experts have disputed that characterization, noting Venezuela nationalized its oil industry decades ago under domestic law.
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, though years of underinvestment and sanctions have sharply reduced output. Trump said earlier this week that oil production could be restored within 18 months, potentially with U.S. reimbursement to American firms that fund reconstruction.
Energy Secretary Wright is meeting with oil executives this week as planning continues.
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