Trump Says Venezuela to Turn Over Up to 50 Million Barrels of Oil to United States

President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela will turn over up to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States in the wake of a military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power.

Trump said the oil, valued at around $2–3 billion at market prices, will be sold and the proceeds controlled by him as U.S. president to benefit both the people of Venezuela and the United States.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:

“The Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 million barrels of high‑quality, sanctioned oil, to the United States of America. This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!”

He has tasked Energy Secretary Chris Wright with immediately implementing the transfer, with the oil expected to be transported to U.S. ports.

Trump’s comments came after Venezuelan interim leader Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in, a day before his announcement. It is not yet clear how fully Venezuela’s authorities have agreed to the arrangement or whether it will involve changes in the country’s economic ties with other global partners.

In related developments, the U.S. has seized oil tankers linked to Venezuelan crude, and White House officials say interest from private sector companies is growing as part of efforts to revive oil production and expand cooperation.

Trump has also suggested Venezuela’s oil industry could be “up and running” within 18 months, anticipating significant foreign investment under U.S. oversight.

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