In a significant development following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, US President Donald Trump has unveiled a concrete plan for the nation's oil resources. On Tuesday, January 7, 2026, Trump announced that the United States will facilitate the sale of a massive quantity of Venezuelan crude oil, with the proceeds coming under direct American control.
The Announcement: A Major Oil Deal Post-Maduro
President Trump stated that the interim authorities now in place in Venezuela will transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of what he described as "high quality, sanctioned oil" to the United States. This oil, he confirmed, will be sold at the prevailing market price. The announcement marks the first definitive oil strategy from the Trump administration regarding Venezuela since the dramatic change in the South American country's leadership.
"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," Trump declared. He emphasized that the financial proceeds from this large-scale sale would be managed directly by his office.
Control and Logistics of the Proceeds
A key element of the plan is where the money from the oil sales will go. President Trump was explicit about this, stating, "that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America." He outlined the intended purpose for these funds, which is to ensure they "are used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States." This direct presidential control over the revenue stream is a notable feature of the arrangement.
On the operational side, Trump has directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately. The logistical framework involves using storage ships to take possession of the crude oil and transport it directly to unloading docks within the United States. This bypasses traditional market channels and establishes a direct transfer from Venezuelan reserves to US facilities.
Implications and Next Steps
This move represents a major shift in how the United States is engaging with Venezuela's vast natural resources following the political upheaval. The plan to sell such a substantial volume of oil—up to 50 million barrels—will have immediate repercussions on global energy markets and the economic future of Venezuela. The assertion of US control over the funds aims to prevent the revenue from being misappropriated, directing it instead toward humanitarian or developmental goals for the Venezuelan people, alongside US interests.
The announcement comes just days after the reported capture of Nicolas Maduro, whose long-standing presidency was marked by severe economic crisis and tensions with Washington. The US administration's swift action on oil indicates a priority to stabilize and redirect one of Venezuela's most critical assets. As this is a developing story, further updates on the execution of the plan and its market impact are expected.
