Trump announces US will get 30-50 million barrels of crude oil from Venezuel

United States President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela's interim authorities will provide between 30 million and 50 million barrels of high-quality, sanctioned crude oil to the U.S. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump revealed that the oil would be sold at market price, currently estimated around $55 to $56 per barrel. The total value of this transaction is expected to range between $1.65 billion and $2.75 billion, a move that immediately triggered a $1 drop in international crude prices.

This announcement follows a dramatic U.S. military operation over the weekend—codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve"—which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. Venezuelan officials reported that at least 24 of their security officers were killed in the raid. Maduro has since been flown to New York City, where he faced a federal court on Monday, pleading not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.

President Trump stated that the funds generated from the sale of this oil would be under his direct control as President to ensure they are used to "benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States." He has directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to implement the plan immediately, with storage ships expected to bring the cargo directly to U.S. unloading docks. The move is seen as part of a broader strategy to exert American influence over Venezuela's vast energy reserves following the ouster of Maduro.