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Washington, D.C. – January 8, 2026 – In a significant development following the recent U.S. military operation that led to the capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump stated on January 7 that Venezuela will exclusively purchase American-made products with revenues generated from a new oil deal with the United States.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump declared: “I have just been informed that Venezuela is going to be purchasing ONLY American Made Products, with the money they receive from our new Oil Deal.” He specified that these purchases would include American agricultural products, medicines, medical devices, and equipment to upgrade Venezuela's electric grid and energy facilities.
This announcement builds on Trump's earlier statement from January 6, where he revealed that Venezuelan interim authorities would turn over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of high-quality, previously sanctioned oil to the United States. The oil, valued at approximately $2-3 billion at current market prices, will be sold on the global market, with proceeds controlled by the U.S. to ensure benefits for both nations.
The deal emerges in the wake of a dramatic U.S. military strike on January 3, 2026, which resulted in the capture of Maduro and his transfer to U.S. custody in New York, where he faces charges related to narco-terrorism and other allegations. Delcy Rodríguez has since been sworn in as acting president, marking a shift toward interim governance amid ongoing stabilization efforts.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright elaborated on the arrangement during remarks at Goldman Sachs' annual energy conference in Miami on January 7. Wright confirmed that the U.S. will market and sell Venezuelan crude—starting with the initial stockpiled barrels and extending "indefinitely" to future production. "We're going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela — first this backed-up stored oil and then indefinitely, going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace," Wright stated.
He emphasized the need for sustained U.S. leverage: "We need to have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela." Proceeds will be deposited into U.S.-controlled accounts, with Wright assuring that funds will ultimately flow back to support Venezuela's economy, infrastructure, and people. "We're not taking their oil," he clarified in a CNBC interview, adding that the goal is economic stabilization and rebuilding the oil sector.
The arrangement has drawn international attention, with actions such as the U.S. seizure of two Venezuela-linked oil tankers underscoring enforcement of the new framework. Analysts note that this could redirect oil flows away from previous buyers like China, potentially impacting global markets and reducing oil prices observed in recent trading.
Trump's emphasis on "America First" procurement aligns with his administration's broader trade policies, aiming to boost U.S. exports in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and energy equipment. The Department of Energy issued a fact sheet outlining the plan, involving leading commodity marketers and banks to handle sales transparently.
Critics, including some international allies, have raised concerns over the extent of U.S. oversight, viewing it as prolonged intervention in Venezuelan affairs. However, administration officials frame it as necessary for security, prosperity, and democratic reforms following years of sanctions and economic crisis under Maduro.
As implementation begins, the deal represents a pivotal shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations, leveraging the country's vast oil reserves—among the world's largest—to foster economic ties exclusively favoring American industries while addressing humanitarian and infrastructural needs in Venezuela.
This development continues to evolve, with potential implications for global energy markets, U.S. manufacturing, and regional stability in Latin America.
