On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil 🛢️ that were stuck under a U.S. blockade. This move comes as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro remains in a New York jail, following a dramatic military operation over the weekend.
A Raid with a Human Cost
In what U.S. officials called the most dramatic intervention in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion, the U.S. military seized Maduro in Caracas. While American sources estimate about 75 people died in the raid, Caracas has confirmed 23 military fatalities and Cuba reports 32 of its personnel killed. Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, declared a week of mourning for those lost.
Global Reactions 🌐
The operation drew sharp criticism from China, Russia and other Global South members, while U.S. allies urged respect for international law. Protests demanding Maduro's release have erupted worldwide.
Oil, Dollars and Reconstruction
Under the plan announced by Trump on social media, 30-50 million barrels of oil will be shipped directly to the U.S. at market price, with proceeds "controlled by me, as President," to "benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States." At recent prices, the deal could reach $1.9 billion.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright is set to kick off the operation immediately, though details of the legal framework remain unclear. Trump also hinted at U.S. assistance to rebuild Venezuela's oil infrastructure, opening doors for majors like ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and Chevron.
Venezuelan Government Speaks Out
Delcy Rodriguez condemned the seizure of Maduro and his wife, calling it an attack on sovereignty: "There is no foreign agent governing Venezuela. We rule alongside the people." She vowed nationwide demonstrations to demand their release, as Venezuela pushes on with its production and export cycle.
With the nation's future hanging in the balance, the world watches closely: Will this gamble on Venezuelan oil stabilize the country, or stoke further conflict? 🔍
Reference(s):
Trump unveils plan to sell Venezuelan oil as Maduro remains in prison
cgtn.com
