Trump says Venezuela will deliver up to 50 million barrels of oil to US, interim leader rejects foreign control claims

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Venezuela’s interim authorities will hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of sanctioned crude oil to the United States, in a move he says will be executed “immediately” and help both countries. Reuters

Trump’s announcement, made on his social media platform Truth Social, comes amid deepening geopolitical fallout after US special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a controversial raid earlier this week. Al Jazeera

How the plan would work

Trump said the oil will be sold at market price, and he would oversee the proceeds as US president, saying the revenue will be used to benefit both Venezuelans and Americans. Reuters

He has asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to implement the plan, involving storage ships that would deliver the oil directly to US unloading docks. The Economic Times

US oil industry engagement

The White House is organizing an Oval Office meeting on Friday between Trump, his advisers, and executives from major energy firms including Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, according to sources familiar with planning. Al Jazeera

The aim, as described by US officials, is to discuss how American companies might help revive Venezuela’s oil production and infrastructure—which has declined due to underinvestment and sanctions over years. Reuters

However, some executives say there have been no direct discussions yet with the administration about post-Maduro investment plans, and scaling up production will require significant rebuilding and financial commitment. The Daily Star

Venezuela’s response and regional tensions

While Trump claims Washington is now “in charge” of Venezuela’s transition, Interim President Delcy Rodríguez firmly rejected this view. She said Venezuela’s government remains in control inside its borders and denied that a “foreign agent” is governing the country. www.ndtv.com

Rodríguez’s statements came three days after the US-led operation in Caracas that ousted Maduro and triggered international condemnation and internal turmoil. The Times of India

Wider geopolitical implications

Venezuela holds one of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and the transfer of tens of millions of barrels to the US could shift global energy trade patterns. It also intensifies geopolitical friction with countries such as China, Russia, and Cuba, long-standing Venezuelan partners whose influence the US has pressured Caracas to reduce. ABC7 Los Angeles

Critics argue that the move raises questions about sovereignty, international law, and the legitimacy of agreements made under duress. Supporters contend that expanding oil supply could help stabilize markets and support economic recovery.

What to watch next

• Whether the oil transfer moves ahead as Trump outlined and how revenue will be allocated.
• Reactions from international bodies and major oil consumers on the legality and market impact.
• Clarification on Rodríguez’s stance and any changes in Venezuela’s diplomatic alignment.