The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, stated that his administration will be "in charge of the oil" of Venezuela and announced that he will meet this Friday at the White House with top executives from the energy sector to coordinate the reconstruction of the oil infrastructure in the South American country.
In an exclusive interview with the Fox News network, Trump stated that his administration will work with the new Venezuelan leadership and that the United States "will take care of the oil." The president specified that "tomorrow we will meet with the top oil executives here at the White House. The 14 largest companies in the world will come. They will rebuild the entire oil infrastructure and invest at least 100 billion dollars."
Trump explained that the measure is part of the new phase that began after the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife on January 3, during a U.S. military operation. He stated that the goal is to stabilize Venezuela and ensure that oil revenues are managed for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.
During the interview, the president emphasized that Venezuela has "oil of enormous quality and quantity" and stated that the country will remain "under our supervision until it stabilizes." He also asserted that U.S. control will allow for a reduction in oil prices "worldwide, which is good for everyone."
One day before the interview, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) officially confirmed that it is in negotiations with the United States government for the sale of crude oil volumes. The Venezuelan company stated that the discussions are taking place "under frameworks similar to those currently in place with international companies, such as Chevron," and that it is a process "based on criteria of legality, transparency, and mutual benefit."
On that same Tuesday, the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, stated at a conference in Miami that Washington will control the sale of Venezuelan oil "for an indefinite time" and that the generated revenues will be deposited in accounts under the supervision of the U.S. government, with the aim of ensuring they are used "for the benefit of the Venezuelan people." Wright also explained that the United States will bring Venezuelan production to the market and that exports could reach up to 50 million barrels, equivalent to about 2 billion dollars.
The official added that the control of sales and funds aims to promote the political and economic changes that "must occur" in the country, as well as to ensure a stable transition.
Following Maduro's detention, currently in U.S. custody, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the role of interim president. The Chavista institutions continue to perform administrative functions, while Washington oversees the strategic areas of security and energy.
The U.S. government has described this cooperation as a three-phase plan—stabilization, recovery, and transition—aimed at rebuilding Venezuela's productive apparatus and preventing an economic collapse. Analysts believe that U.S. control over oil redefines the balance of power in the country and ushers in a new phase in bilateral relations.
Trump also confirmed that he will meet next week with opposition leader María Corina Machado, who was recently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and he considered it "a great honor" that she dedicated the award to him.
The statements from the U.S. president reinforce the central role of energy control in Washington's policy towards Venezuela and mark a new milestone in the transition process that was initiated following Maduro's capture.
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