President Donald Trump says interim authorities in Venezuela will transfer between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States following the U.S. military operation that ousted President Nicolás Maduro.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the oil — described as “sanctioned oil” — will be sold at market prices, with proceeds controlled by the U.S. government.
He wrote that the money would be used “to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States,” and said Energy Secretary Chris Wright had been instructed to implement the plan immediately. According to Trump, the oil will be loaded onto storage ships and brought directly to U.S. ports.
“I am pleased to announce that 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,” Trump posted, adding that he personally would oversee how the revenue is used.
His comments come a day after former vice president Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president. Maduro has been transported to the U.S., where he faces drug-trafficking and weapons charges.
Speaking to NBC News on Monday, Trump said Venezuelan production was in America’s interest, arguing that increased supply helps keep global oil prices down.
