Trump Announces Historic Deal to Control Venezuela's Vast Oil Reserves

President Donald Trump has announced what he describes as a "historic" agreement with Venezuela, granting the United States control over more than 65 billion barrels of the South American nation's proven oil reserves.

"This Historic Transaction MORE THAN DOUBLES American Oil Reserves, greatly increases our Oil Supply, and will substantially lower Gas Prices for all Americans," Trump stated via social media.

Following the apprehension of Venezuela's then-President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year, Trump had previously expressed intentions to access Venezuela's reserves, which constitute the world's largest. More recently, domestic pressure to reduce gasoline prices has intensified.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the deal as "a huge win for both the American and Venezuelan people." Specific details of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.

"For the Venezuelan people, this deal will bring nearly $100 billion in private investment, support thousands of high-paying jobs, and drive the reconstruction of Venezuela's economy," Rubio added on social media.

In his statement, Trump indicated that Secretary Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth finalized the accord with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, through a private business partnership. He did not provide further elaboration on this partnership or outline any specific commitments or terms for the US, though he emphasized that the agreement was reached "at no cost to the American Taxpayer."

Previously, on January 3rd, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were detained in a military operation authorized by Trump. In the aftermath of this operation, Trump declared that his administration would oversee Venezuela until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" could occur, asserting that the US would indefinitely manage the country's oil sales.

President Donald Trump has announced what he describes as a "historic" agreement with Venezuela, granting the United States control over more than 65 billion barrels of the South American nation's proven oil reserves.

"This Historic Transaction MORE THAN DOUBLES American Oil Reserves, greatly increases our Oil Supply, and will substantially lower Gas Prices for all Americans," Trump stated via social media.

Following the apprehension of Venezuela's then-President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year, Trump had previously expressed intentions to access Venezuela's reserves, which constitute the world's largest. More recently, domestic pressure to reduce gasoline prices has intensified.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the deal as "a huge win for both the American and Venezuelan people." Specific details of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.

"For the Venezuelan people, this deal will bring nearly $100 billion in private investment, support thousands of high-paying jobs, and drive the reconstruction of Venezuela's economy," Rubio added on social media.

In his statement, Trump indicated that Secretary Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth finalized the accord with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, through a private business partnership. He did not provide further elaboration on this partnership or outline any specific commitments or terms for the US, though he emphasized that the agreement was reached "at no cost to the American Taxpayer."

Previously, on January 3rd, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were detained in a military operation authorized by Trump. In the aftermath of this operation, Trump declared that his administration would oversee Venezuela until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" could occur, asserting that the US would indefinitely manage the country's oil sales.