Trump Announces Venezuela Oil Deal Amid Tensions Over Maduro Capture

In a significant development, President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela will be dispatching between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. The revenue generated from this transfer is pledged to “benefit the people” of both nations.

The White House is set to convene a meeting on Friday with top U.S. oil executives to deliberate on the situation in Venezuela. This meeting is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to encourage Venezuela to allow more American investment and technological input into its oil sector. Representatives from Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips are anticipated to participate, as confirmed by an anonymous insider.

In a separate development on Tuesday, Venezuelan officials reported the loss of at least 24 security officers during a U.S. military operation aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro. This operation was intended to bring Maduro to the U.S. to face drug-related charges. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez responded to Trump’s earlier threats by stating, “Personally, to those who threaten me: My destiny is not determined by them, but by God.”

The Attorney General of Venezuela, Tarek William Saab, indicated that “dozens” of officers and civilians perished in the Caracas operation, labeling it a “war crime” and initiating an investigation into the losses. He did not clarify whether these figures were exclusively Venezuelan.

Cuba has also confirmed the deaths of 32 of its military and police personnel in the operation, attributing the losses to members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, which are key security entities in Cuba.

The Pentagon reported injuries to seven U.S. service members, with details of gunshot and shrapnel injuries provided by an anonymous U.S. official. Five of these personnel have resumed duty, while two continue to recover.

A tribute video posted on a military Instagram account showcased the faces of fallen Venezuelan security officials, accompanied by images of American aircraft over Caracas and damaged armored vehicles. The tribute stated, “Their spilled blood does not cry out for vengeance, but for justice and strength,” and emphasized a commitment to restoring the presidency and dismantling external terrorist groups.

Venezuela’s Oil Industry at a Crossroads

With oil currently priced at approximately $56 per barrel, the oil deal could be valued at up to $2.8 billion. Venezuela’s contribution equates to about two and a half days of U.S. oil consumption, which averages 20 million barrels daily, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Despite boasting the world’s largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela’s production lags at around one million barrels per day, far less than the U.S. average of 13.9 million barrels daily in October.

Venezuela’s government has yet to issue a comment on President Trump’s announcement. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil is advancing its exploration of a significant offshore oil field near Guyana, Venezuela’s eastern neighbor. This venture has rekindled territorial tensions between Venezuela and Guyana, focusing on the Essequibo region. Venezuelan lawmakers have previously contemplated barring companies active in Guyana from operating in Venezuela.

In a related context, Trump responded to Democratic disapproval of the military mission, recalling that his predecessor, Joe Biden, had also advocated for Maduro’s apprehension on similar charges. Trump expressed frustration over a perceived lack of recognition, saying, “You know, at some point, they should say, ‘You know, you did a great job. Thank you. Congratulations.'”

Public Sentiment and Geopolitical Implications

Public opinion in the U.S. is divided regarding Maduro’s capture, as per a poll by The Washington Post and SSRS. Approximately 40% support the military action, while a similar percentage oppose it, and 20% remain undecided.

Nearly 45% of Americans oppose U.S. intervention in selecting Venezuela’s government, with a vast majority believing Venezuelans should determine their leadership. Maduro has declared his innocence in a U.S. court, following his capture with his wife by U.S. forces, guarded by Cuban personnel.

Trump’s recent actions have stirred global concerns about potential U.S. assertiveness in the region. His interest in acquiring Greenland for national security purposes and his stern stance on Colombia’s drug trade have drawn attention. In response, Colombia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Rosa Villavicencio plans to formally address these threats with the U.S. Embassy.

European leaders, alongside Denmark’s Prime Minister, have reiterated Greenland’s sovereignty, emphasizing that decisions regarding the territory rest solely with its inhabitants.