Trump Announces Venezuela to Send Up to 50 Million Barrels of Oil to the U.S. After Maduro’s Capture

On January 6, 2026, President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela will send between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. This news came after an operation that resulted in the controversial capture of President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela.

Trump said the newly transferred oil will be sold to the U.S. Government at current market prices. Both the Venezuelan and American people will benefit from the transferred oil, which the government will manage.

Reuters

The Venezuelan acting authorities stated that, based on the promise of the new Venezuelan President, Delcy Rodriguez, the oil will be transferred to the U.S. after Maduro has been completely stripped of power.

The Venezuelan Oil, which Trump described as “good oil” and said to be “temporarily stored” due to “current restrictions, will be transported to U.S. discharge ports and will be sold at prevailing market prices. Trump has instructed U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright to arrange the transport.

The Economic Times

This statement comes after U.S. Military operations executed against Maduro and extradited him to New York to face Federal Drug Trafficking Charges.

Critics expressed concern regarding the legality of the operation and the potential consequences of the oil transfer from a geopolitical standpoint.

Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and this shipment has the potential to disrupt global energy markets. Venezuela’s oil sector, post-nationalization, has had only one major U.S. player, and that is Chevron.