Venezuela to send up to 50 million barrels of oil to U.S., Trump says

President Trump announced that interim Venezuelan authorities will turn over 30–50 million barrels of oil to the United States and said Energy Secretary Chris Wright was asked to execute the plan.

President Trump announced that interim authorities in Venezuela would turn over between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. He said the oil would be sold at market price and that he would control the proceeds to ensure benefits for people in both countries. Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social and directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to carry out the plan immediately. The statement followed a Jan. 3 U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Reported details: - The quantity cited was between 30 and 50 million barrels described as high-quality, sanctioned oil for sale to the U.S. - Trump said the oil would be sold at market price and that the sale proceeds would be controlled by him as president. - Energy Secretary Chris Wright was tasked to execute the plan immediately, and officials did not provide immediate details on companies, logistics, or confirmations from Venezuelan agencies. Summary: If accurate, the transfer described would be a one-time flow rather than a structural change in global oil supply. The next stated step is for the Energy Department, under Secretary Chris Wright, to implement the plan; other operational details remain undetermined at this time.