(WDNews) — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela would provide between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, saying proceeds from the sale would be used “to benefit the people” of both nations.
The White House is set to meet Friday with U.S. oil company executives as the administration pushes Venezuela to further open its oil industry to American investment. Executives from Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips are expected to attend, according to a person familiar with the plans who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The announcement came as tensions remain high following a U.S. military operation over the weekend that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is now in U.S. custody facing federal drug trafficking charges. Venezuelan officials said at least 24 security officers were killed during the operation, while the country’s attorney general claimed dozens of officers and civilians died and described the strike as a possible war crime.
Cuba’s government also confirmed that 32 Cuban military and police personnel stationed in Venezuela were killed. The Pentagon said seven U.S. service members were injured, including from gunfire and shrapnel. Five have returned to duty, while two remain in recovery.
In Caracas, the military posted a video tribute to fallen Venezuelan security forces, while the government organized public demonstrations in support of the current leadership. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez rejected Trump’s warnings that she could face consequences similar to Maduro’s if Venezuela does not align with U.S. interests.
With oil prices hovering around $56 a barrel, analysts estimate the proposed oil transfer could be worth up to $2.8 billion. The U.S. consumes roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day, making the shipment equal to about two to three days of supply. Despite holding the world’s largest proven crude reserves, Venezuela currently produces about one million barrels per day, far below U.S. output levels.
Trump defended the military operation Tuesday, saying past administrations also sought Maduro’s arrest and criticizing Democrats for not praising what he called a successful mission. Maduro pleaded not guilty Monday in federal court.
International reaction has been mixed. Colombia’s foreign minister said her government would formally protest recent U.S. threats, while several European leaders issued a joint statement supporting Greenland’s sovereignty after Trump renewed calls for greater U.S. control of the Danish territory.
Meanwhile, a U.S. poll released over the weekend shows Americans remain divided. About four in 10 approved of the military operation to capture Maduro, roughly the same number opposed it, and about two in 10 said they were unsure. Nearly half opposed the U.S. taking control of Venezuela’s government, with most saying Venezuelans should decide their own leadership.
