In a significant development that intensifies the geopolitical tussle over energy resources, former US President Donald Trump has asserted that Venezuela is poised to supply a massive quantity of oil to the United States. This claim, however, has been met with a firm and immediate rejection from Caracas, setting the stage for renewed tensions.
Trump's Assertion and Caracas's Swift Rejection
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Donald Trump stated that Venezuela would supply between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. He added that the proceeds from this deal would be utilised to benefit the citizens of both nations. This announcement came amidst Washington's escalating pressure on Caracas to open its vast, yet troubled, oil sector to greater American investment and technical know-how.
However, Venezuela's acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, categorically rejected Trump's remarks. This rebuttal underscores the deep rift between the two nations and challenges the narrative of an imminent energy agreement. Rodríguez's defiance aligns with the Venezuelan government's stance following a recent US military operation.
Background: Military Operation and Mounting Pressure
The oil claim follows a dramatic incident earlier on the same Tuesday. Officials in Caracas reported that at least 24 Venezuelan security personnel were killed during a late-night US military operation. The alleged objective of this operation was to capture President Nicolás Maduro and extradite him to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.
Further escalating the situation, Trump had warned Rodríguez earlier in the week. He indicated she could face consequences "worse than Maduro's" if she failed to align Venezuela with US interests. This is widely interpreted as a demand to grant American energy giants greater access to the country's oil industry.
White House Engages US Oil Giants
In a move that signals the commercial dimension of this geopolitical push, the White House has scheduled a crucial meeting. It is set to convene with executives from major US oil corporations on Friday, January 9, 2026. The agenda is squarely focused on Venezuela.
According to a source familiar with the plans who spoke anonymously, executives from industry behemoths Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips are expected to attend. This meeting highlights the Trump administration's strategy to leverage American corporate expertise to revitalise Venezuela's struggling oil sector, albeit on terms favourable to Washington.
The core issue remains Venezuela's immense oil reserves, which are a prize for global energy markets. The current standoff between Trump's claims and Rodríguez's denial points to a volatile chapter ahead in US-Venezuela relations, with oil firmly at the centre of the conflict.
