President Donald Trump has announced that “interim authorities” in Venezuela will transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States.
The announcement, made via his social media channels, said the oil would be sold at market price, and the proceeds would be controlled by Trump himself with the stated goal of benefiting both Venezuelans and Americans.
Trump said he had instructed U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately, with the oil transported by storage ships directly to American ports. “This will ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States,” he wrote.
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The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela, following a recent U.S. military operation in the South American country and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
International reactions have been cautious, and the plan has not yet been confirmed by Venezuelan officials or independent sources.
Market watchers have already noted the potential impact on global oil prices, which have shown fluctuations in response to the news. Experts say the plan, if implemented, could temporarily increase supply to the U.S., but its long-term effects remain uncertain.
While Trump framed the move as a win-win for both nations, analysts have raised questions about its legality under international law and the logistical challenges of transporting millions of barrels of oil.
For now, the announcement stands as a bold statement of Trump’s ongoing involvement in U.S.-Venezuela affairs and a reminder of the complex interplay between politics, energy, and international diplomacy.
