In a significant development amid the recent political upheaval in Venezuela, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on January 6, 2026, that interim authorities in Venezuela will transfer between 30 million and 50 million barrels of high-quality, sanctioned oil to the United States. The announcement, made via a post on Truth Social, comes just days after a U.S. military operation resulted in the capture and extradition of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who now faces drug trafficking and related charges in a U.S. court.
Trump stated that the oil, previously subject to U.S. sanctions, will be sold at market value, with the proceeds controlled by the U.S. government to "benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States." He directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to immediately execute the plan, specifying that the barrels would be transported via storage ships directly to U.S. unloading docks.
The full text of Trump's Truth Social post, as reported across multiple outlets, reads: "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. 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! I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
This oil transfer is estimated to be worth approximately $2-3 billion, depending on current market prices for Venezuelan crude, and represents a portion of the country's stockpiled reserves impacted by long-standing U.S. sanctions.
The announcement follows a dramatic sequence of events that began with a U.S. military strike on January 3, 2026, codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve," which led to the seizure of Maduro and his wife from Caracas. The operation, described by U.S. officials as a law enforcement action supported by military assets, resulted in no American casualties but reportedly killed at least 24 Venezuelan security personnel. Maduro was subsequently flown to the United States, where he pleaded not guilty on January 5 to federal charges including narco-trafficking, corruption, and weapons-related offenses. The indictment, unsealed years earlier but now actionable, alleges Maduro's involvement in a cocaine-trafficking conspiracy dating back to 1999.
On January 5, 2026, Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice president and a key figure in his administration, was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president during a session of the National Assembly. Rodríguez, who has also served as Venezuela's oil minister, pledged cooperation with the United States in the transition period while calling for Maduro's release, labeling his capture a "kidnapping." Her inauguration has been met with mixed reactions, including protests from Maduro loyalists and cautious international responses.
Trump's oil announcement has been framed by the administration as part of a broader strategy to stabilize Venezuela, divert oil supplies away from previous buyers like China, and facilitate the rehabilitation of the country's dilapidated oil infrastructure. In related comments to NBC News on January 6, Trump emphasized the benefits of a productive Venezuelan oil sector for U.S. interests, stating, "Having a Venezuela that's an oil producer is good for the United States." The White House has indicated that Energy Secretary Wright is engaging with major U.S. oil companies to discuss potential investments in Venezuela's energy sector, with possible government reimbursements to mitigate risks.
Critics, including some U.S. allies at a recent U.N. emergency session, have questioned the legality of the military incursion into Venezuelan territory, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent. Venezuelan officials aligned with Maduro have accused the U.S. of attempting to seize national resources. However, the Trump administration has defended the actions, citing a Justice Department memo that classified the operation as lawful under existing authorities related to extradition and counter-narcotics efforts.
The oil in question is believed to include stockpiles that were embargoed under sanctions imposed during Trump's first term and continued under subsequent administrations. Venezuela, possessing the world's largest proven oil reserves, has seen production plummet due to sanctions, mismanagement, and lack of investment. The transfer could provide an immediate boost to U.S. refining capacity, particularly for heavy crude suited to Gulf Coast facilities, while the proceeds might fund humanitarian aid or reconstruction in Venezuela.
Analysts note that this deal could strain relations with China, a major buyer of Venezuelan oil often through indirect channels to evade sanctions. It also raises questions about long-term U.S. involvement in Venezuela's governance and economy.
As of January 7, 2026, logistical details remain underway, with Secretary Wright reportedly in discussions with industry executives. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing protests in Venezuela and international scrutiny of the U.S. actions.
This development marks a bold foreign policy move in Trump's second term, blending energy security, counter-narcotics enforcement, and geopolitical strategy in Latin America.
