Former United States President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela has agreed to release between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States.
Trump said the development follows the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who he claimed is currently standing trial in New York.
According to Trump, U.S. elite forces carried out a military operation in Venezuela on January 3, during which Maduro and his wife were captured.
The operation, he said, sent shockwaves across the international community and drew mixed reactions from world leaders.Following the arrest, Trump declared that the United States would take control of Venezuela’s administration and oversee the management of its oil reserves.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, Trump said the oil to be received from Venezuela would be sold at prevailing market prices, with the proceeds placed under his direct control to serve the interests of both countries.“I am pleased to announce that the interim authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality, sanctioned oil to the United States of America,” Trump said.“This oil will be sold at market price, and the money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States, to ensure it is used for the benefit of the people of Venezuela and the United States.”Trump’s comments came one day after Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s former vice president, was sworn in as interim president.
He also issued a stern warning to Rodríguez, stating that she could “pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” if she failed to “do what’s right.”
