EXETER, NH - FEBRUARY 04: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Exeter Town Hall on February 4, 2016 in Exeter, New Hampshire. Democratic and Republican Presidential candidates are stumping for votes throughout New Hampshire leading up to the Presidential Primary on February 9th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
United States President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela’s interim authorities will transfer between 30 million and 50 million barrels of high-quality, sanctioned oil to the United States, an arrangement he says will benefit both nations.
Trump made the declaration in a dramatic post on his Truth Social platform, insisting the oil deal would be executed immediately and tightly controlled by the White House.
“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!”
He further disclosed that the operation had already been set in motion, ordering swift action from his cabinet.
“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.”
According to Trump, the oil will be sold at market price, with proceeds managed under his authority as president, a decision he says will ensure the funds are properly utilised.
The announcement comes amid rapidly unfolding political and military developments in Venezuela, following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a U.S.-backed operation.
Over the weekend, Trump also declared that the United States is now effectively running Venezuela, with plans to take control of and rebuild the country’s oil sector.
The move has elicited international concern, with global leaders and institutions questioning the implications for sovereignty and international law.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has already warned that there must be “respect for the principles of sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity.”
