TRUMP CLAIMS VENEZUELA TO HAND OVER UP TO 50M BARRELS OF OIL TO U.S.

Former United States President Donald J. Trump has claimed that interim authorities in Venezuela are set to hand over between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States.

In a lengthy statement shared on his verified social media account, Trump said the oil—described as high-quality but currently under sanctions—would be transferred to the United States and sold at prevailing market prices. He further claimed that the proceeds from the sale would be overseen by him to ensure the funds are used to benefit both the Venezuelan and American people.

According to Trump, he has instructed U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright to immediately execute the plan. He added that the oil would be transported using storage ships and delivered directly to unloading docks in the United States.

The announcement has triggered widespread reactions online and raised serious questions among analysts and observers, particularly regarding the legal authority to execute such a transaction, the role of international sanctions on Venezuelan oil, and the absence of confirmation from official U.S. government agencies or Venezuelan authorities.

Critics have also questioned Trump’s claim that he would personally control or oversee the proceeds, noting that oil transactions involving sanctioned countries typically require multilateral approvals and strict compliance with international regulations.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. government, or Venezuelan officials to independently confirm or support Trump’s claims.

The development has added fresh controversy to ongoing debates around U.S.–Venezuela relations, global oil markets, and the politics surrounding sanctioned energy resources.