US to receive Up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan Oil at market price, Trump says
President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a major oil arrangement with Venezuela that could reshape US energy flows. Trump said the United States will receive between 30 million and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil at market prices. He posted the plan on his social media platform and ordered immediate action by his energy team.
Trump said the oil will arrive in the United States by storage ships and dock directly at US ports. He directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to carry out the operation without delay. Trump said the proceeds from selling the oil will remain under his control as president. He added he will use the funds to benefit people in both countries.
The plan comes amid sweeping geopolitical developments. US forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise operation earlier this week. Maduro now faces drug trafficking charges in a US court. The capture triggered international reactions, and oil has now become a central element in Washington’s strategy toward Caracas.
Trump’s announcement follows rising tensions between the two nations. Trump said interim authorities in Venezuela agreed to transfer oil supplies. He described the oil as “high quality” and “sanctioned.” The United States plans to sell this oil at market rate rather than give it away or store it indefinitely.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez responded firmly. She insisted that no foreign power governs Venezuela. Rodríguez said her government remains in charge and rejected claims that the US runs her country’s affairs. She spoke days after US forces moved in Caracas and toppled Maduro’s leadership.
Rodríguez also mixed cooperation with defiance in her remarks. At times, she hinted at diplomatic coordination. On other occasions, she stressed Venezuelan resolve. She declared that Venezuelans do not surrender and praised those who resisted the US strikes.
The oil deal could also have economic consequences. Analysts note Venezuela holds a large share of the world’s oil reserves but suffers from poor infrastructure and low output. Those challenges could limit the speed at which Venezuela supplies large volumes of crude. Markets have already moved in response: US oil prices dipped after Trump’s announcement, reflecting expectations of increased supply.
Trump also scheduled a high-level meeting this Friday. He plans to meet oil company executives from major firms like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips. The aim is to discuss future involvement in Venezuela’s oil sector and broader energy cooperation.
Critics warn the arrangement could spark broader geopolitical tensions. Some see the move as aggressive US economic policy toward Latin America. Others view it as a strategic push to secure energy resources and reduce imports from hostile regions. Regardless, the announcement signals a dramatic shift in cooperation between the two countries’ energy sectors.
In summary, the US expects a large influx of Venezuelan oil at market price. The Trump administration will manage the sale proceeds. Venezuela insists it remains sovereign. Both sides now face a complex mix of diplomacy, economics, and domestic politics. The coming weeks will reveal how energy markets and bilateral relations respond to this bold plan.
