Trump Says U.S. Will Receive 30–50 million Barrels of Oil from Venezuela

President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that the United States will obtain between 30 million and 50 million barrels of crude oil from Venezuela at prevailing market prices, marking a significant development in U.S.–Venezuela relations following recent political and military upheaval in the South American nation.

Speaking after engagements with Republican lawmakers in Washington, Trump said proceeds linked to the oil transaction would be used in ways that benefit both countries. The announcement comes as the White House prepares to meet with top executives from major U.S. oil companies to discuss Venezuela’s energy sector and potential American involvement in reviving its severely weakened production capacity.

The proposed oil transfer follows days of heightened tension after a U.S. military operation led to the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who is now facing federal drug trafficking charges in the United States. Venezuelan authorities reported heavy casualties from the operation, including security personnel and allied foreign forces, and have accused Washington of violating international law.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez rejected U.S. pressure and warned against external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs. Venezuelan prosecutors have announced investigations into the deaths linked to the operation, while state institutions continue to mobilize public support amid ongoing unrest in Caracas.

Despite possessing the world’s largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela’s oil output has fallen sharply over the past decade due to mismanagement, sanctions, and infrastructure decay. Analysts note that while the announced shipment could be worth billions of dollars, it represents only a small share of U.S. oil demand and does not resolve deeper structural issues in Venezuela’s energy industry.

Trump defended the operation and the oil arrangement against domestic criticism, arguing that efforts to bring Maduro to justice had long enjoyed bipartisan backing. He accused political opponents of downplaying what he described as a strategic and lawful success.

Public reaction in the United States remains divided, with opinion polls showing mixed views on military involvement in Venezuela. Internationally, several U.S. allies have reiterated their support for national sovereignty in the region, signaling unease over the broader implications of Washington’s increasingly assertive posture in the Western Hemisphere.