WILLEMSTAD — The United States will receive 30 to 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan oil, U.S. President Donald Trump announced this week, a move he says will benefit both Venezuelans and Americans. The declaration came just days after a U.S. military operation resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that the oil will be sold at market price, with the proceeds under his direct control as president to ensure the funds are used for the benefit of the people of both countries. The crude is expected to be transported by storage ships directly to U.S. ports.
“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,” Trump wrote. He said that Energy Secretary Chris Wright has been tasked with executing the plan immediately.
White House Plans Oil Sector Talks
The White House has scheduled a meeting on Friday in the Oval Office with top executives from major U.S. oil companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, to discuss the next steps for Venezuela’s oil industry. Trump and his administration are pushing for U.S. investment in rebuilding Venezuela’s energy infrastructure, which has struggled for years under sanctions and mismanagement.
Analysts estimate that if oil trades at around current market prices, the transfer could represent up to $2.8 billion in revenue. However, whether this plan can be realized logistically—or legally—remains uncertain, as Venezuela’s interim authorities have not publicly confirmed the deal.
International and Geopolitical Context
The announcement comes amid heightened international tension. Critics have called the U.S. actions in Venezuela—including the recent military operation and oil strategy—controversial, with some viewing them as violations of international norms. Others argue the move is an unprecedented assertion of U.S. influence over Venezuela’s vast natural resources.
For Curaçao and other Caribbean neighbors, who rely on stability in the region, the oil announcement underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape and potential economic implications, especially for energy markets and regional diplomacy.
Proceeds and control of oil revenues will continue to be watched closely by international observers as events unfold.