Trump says Venezuela will transfer up to 50 million barrels of oil to U.S. after Maduro’s arrest
Trump says Venezuela to send up to 50 million barrels of oil to US
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President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will transfer between 30 million and 50 million barrels of crude oil to the United States following the U.S. military operation that led to the capture of longtime Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump said the oil would be sold at market prices, with proceeds controlled by his administration to benefit both countries — a move that has triggered sharp legal, political, and geopolitical debate. The announcement comes as Maduro awaits trial in New York on drug-trafficking and weapons charges and Venezuela’s interim government struggles to stabilize the country amid global scrutiny.
Washington, Jan 7 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said interim authorities in Venezuela will hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States, calling it a move that will benefit both Venezuelans and Americans.
resident Donald Trump announced this week that Venezuela will transfer between 30 million and 50 million barrels of crude oil to the United States following the U.S. military operation that led to the capture of longtime Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
In a Jan. 6 social media post, Trump said the oil would be sold at market price, adding that the proceeds would be controlled by him as president to ensure they are used “to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.” The statement immediately sparked legal, political and geopolitical debate, as such direct control over another nation’s natural resources is highly unusual under international law.
The announcement comes just days after Maduro was captured on Jan. 3 during a U.S. special forces operation and flown to New York, where he has pleaded not guilty to federal drug-trafficking and weapons charges. His former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has since been sworn in as Venezuela’s interim leader.
Trump framed the oil transfer as restitution, repeating claims that Venezuela’s socialist governments “stole” American-built oil infrastructure after nationalizing the industry under Hugo Chávez — a claim disputed by international energy and legal experts. Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, though years of mismanagement and sanctions have left production far below its peak.
According to Trump, the oil will be transported from storage ships and delivered directly to U.S. unloading ports. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is coordinating the effort and has reportedly begun meeting with U.S. oil executives in Miami to discuss logistics and potential reinvestment in Venezuela’s deteriorating energy sector.
Financial markets reacted swiftly. Crude prices dipped following the announcement as traders weighed the possibility of additional supply and the broader instability surrounding Venezuela. Analysts note that while 50 million barrels is significant, it represents only a short-term supply boost, roughly equivalent to one to two months of Venezuela’s current production levels.
International reaction has been sharply divided. Several European governments and global human-rights groups have raised concerns over sovereignty and the legality of seizing and selling Venezuelan oil without a U.N. mandate. China and Russia both major stakeholders in Venezuela have warned that the move could escalate tensions and undermine global norms.
Inside Venezuela and among its diaspora, reactions remain mixed. Some opposition supporters celebrated the announcement as further evidence of Maduro’s downfall and a chance for economic recovery. Others fear the country is becoming a bargaining chip in great-power politics, with ordinary Venezuelans paying the price.
As of Jan. 7, the White House has not released detailed documentation outlining how oil revenues would be distributed or overseen. With Maduro awaiting trial in Manhattan and Venezuela’s interim leadership still fragile, the oil announcement adds another volatile layer to an already historic and uncertain moment in U.S.–Latin America relation
In a Jan. 6 social media post, Trump said the oil would be sold at market price, adding that the proceeds would be controlled by him as president to ensure they are used “to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.” The statement immediately sparked legal, political and geopolitical debate, as such direct control over another nation’s natural resources is highly unusual under international law.
The announcement comes just days after Maduro was captured on Jan. 3 during a U.S. special forces operation and flown to New York, where he has pleaded not guilty to federal drug-trafficking and weapons charges. His former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has since been sworn in as Venezuela’s interim leader.
Trump framed the oil transfer as restitution, repeating claims that Venezuela’s socialist governments “stole” American-built oil infrastructure after nationalizing the industry under Hugo Chávez — a claim disputed by international energy and legal experts. Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, though years of mismanagement and sanctions have left production far below its peak.
According to Trump, the oil will be transported from storage ships and delivered directly to U.S. unloading ports. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is coordinating the effort and has reportedly begun meeting with U.S. oil executives in Miami to discuss logistics and potential reinvestment in Venezuela’s deteriorating energy sector.
Financial markets reacted swiftly. Crude prices dipped following the announcement as traders weighed the possibility of additional supply and the broader instability surrounding Venezuela. Analysts note that while 50 million barrels is significant, it represents only a short-term supply boost, roughly equivalent to one to two months of Venezuela’s current production levels.
International reaction has been sharply divided. Several European governments and global human-rights groups have raised concerns over sovereignty and the legality of seizing and selling Venezuelan oil without a U.N. mandate. China and Russia both major stakeholders in Venezuela have warned that the move could escalate tensions and undermine global norms.
Inside Venezuela and among its diaspora, reactions remain mixed. Some opposition supporters celebrated the announcement as further evidence of Maduro’s downfall and a chance for economic recovery. Others fear the country is becoming a bargaining chip in great-power politics, with ordinary Venezuelans paying the price.
As of Jan. 7, the White House has not released detailed documentation outlining how oil revenues would be distributed or overseen. With Maduro awaiting trial in Manhattan and Venezuela’s interim leadership still fragile, the oil announcement adds another volatile layer to an already historic and uncertain moment in U.S.–Latin America relation