‘Money Controlled by Me’: Trump After 30–50 Million Barrel Venezuela Oil Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Venezuela’s interim authorities will transfer between 30 million and 50 million barrels of sanctioned crude oil to the United States, a move he said would benefit both Venezuelans and Americans. 

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said the oil would be sold at market price, and the proceeds would be controlled by him as president to ensure the funds are used “to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.” He directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately, saying the oil would be loaded onto storage ships and brought directly to U.S. unloading docks.

The announcement comes in the wake of a U.S. military operation in Caracas earlier this month that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and has dramatically reshaped ties between the two countries.

Estimates suggest the volume of oil referenced — if delivered and sold at current prices — could be worth roughly $2 billion to $3 billion, highlighting the economic scale of the transfer.

Trump’s comments also signalled broader U.S. interest in Venezuela’s oil sector, with the White House reportedly planning a meeting in the Oval Office later this week with executives from major U.S. oil companies to discuss future cooperation.

Critics and international observers have raised concerns about the legality and diplomatic implications of the move, given ongoing sanctions and questions over the legitimacy of Venezuela’s interim authorities. The situation continues to evolve as global energy markets and geopolitical responses unfold.