The United States government has finalized its first sale of Venezuelan oil since taking control of the country’s energy sector following the overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro, a US official confirmed to AFP on Thursday.
The sale, valued at $500 million, marks a significant development in Washington’s strategy for Venezuela. The identity of the buyer has not been disclosed by the official, who indicated that more sales could occur in the coming weeks.
White House spokesman Taylor Rogers framed the deal in a statement, saying, “President Trump brokered a historic energy deal with Venezuela, immediately following the arrest of narcoterrorist Nicolas Maduro, that will benefit the American and Venezuelan people.”
Last week, President Trump announced on his Truth Social platform 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.” He further stated, “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.”
The Trump administration has been actively encouraging major oil companies to invest heavily in Venezuela’s oil reserves, suggesting that companies are prepared to invest at least $100 billion.
Under the plan established by the White House, the Venezuelan government will have no authority over the management or sale of its own natural resources. Addressing oil executives, Trump clarified the new arrangement: “You’re dealing with us directly and not dealing with Venezuela at all. We don’t want you to deal with Venezuela.”
To secure these assets, Trump signed an emergency order that provides special protection for Venezuelan assets held in the United States, including oil revenues, safeguarding them from potential seizure by creditors or courts.
Rogers added, “President Trump is protecting our Western Hemisphere from being taken advantage of by narcoterrorists, drug traffickers, and foreign adversaries.”
