United States President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela’s interim government will hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States in a deal he says will benefit both countries.
Gatekeepers News reports that Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Tuesday, saying the oil will be sold at market price and the money from the sale will be controlled by him to ensure it supports people in both Venezuela and the United States.
He added that he has directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to start the plan
immediately and that the oil will be transported by storage ships to US unloading docks.
The move comes days after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a controversial military operation, and interim president Delcy Rodríguez assumed leadership.
Rodríguez recently appointed a new cabinet official with experience in Venezuela’s economic and oil sectors as her government seeks foreign cooperation while defending its sovereignty.
Trump said the transfer will involve high-quality, sanctioned oil, and be conducted at its market value. He emphasised that proceeds from the sale will be used in ways that he believes will benefit citizens of both nations.
Venezuela holds one of the largest oil reserves in the world, with estimates of around 300 billion barrels, but its oil industry has faced years of underinvestment, sanctions, and declining output.
US companies have recently shown interest in re-engaging with Venezuela’s oil sector as part of broader efforts to stabilise energy markets and rebuild infrastructure.
