President Trump just made a huge announcement, stating the United States is set to seize between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela, as per The Hill. This massive energy transfer follows the recent successful operation where U.S. military forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. You’re talking about a staggering amount of crude, which the president calls “High Quality, Sanctioned Oil.”
The details of the seizure are certainly striking, but the president’s justification for the action is even more bizarre. He addressed comparisons between this intervention and the U.S.’s prior involvement in Iraq, claiming the difference came down to a simple matter of retention. “The difference between Iraq and this is that [former President George W. Bush] didn’t keep the oil,” the president said. “We’re going to keep the oil.”
Using the failure to seize oil during the Iraq war as the primary policy differentiator for a major military operation is certainly bold. The president has been consistent on this point, though. He noted that he has been arguing for this type of policy for years. “In 2016, I said we should have kept the oil. It caused a lot of controversy. Well, we should have kept the oil,” he continued.
The lessons from the Iraq war are in full use here, albeit in a twisted way
Trump confirmed that the U.S. plans to rebuild Venezuela’s existing, broken-down oil facilities, but with an important caveat: “And we’re going to rebuild their broken-down oil facilities, and this time we’re going to keep the oil.” The logistical plan for handling this huge shipment of crude is already in motion. The president stated that he has requested the help of the Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, to manage the transfer.
This is a major move that shows the U.S. is taking immediate control of Venezuela’s most vital resource. The president confirmed that the oil will be sold at its current market price once it reaches U.S. docks. He also made it clear who will be managing the money generated by this sale. “This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!” the president posted publicly.
Looking ahead, the administration is making plans for the long-term stability of the South American nation. The president has been adamant that the U.S. is going to “run” Venezuela for a while. This period of direct American oversight will continue “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.”
Beyond the immediate seizure of 30 to 50 million barrels, the president also confirmed that America’s involvement will extend to the industrial sector. Venezuela’s entire petroleum infrastructure, which is crucial to the nation’s economy, will come under the direct control of American oil companies. This is a massive opportunity for U.S. energy firms, but it also means the U.S. is taking on the full responsibility of stabilizing and maintaining an entire nation’s energy sector.
Published: Jan 7, 2026 10:30 am