The Trump administration's oversight of the Venezuelan government just brought us a new plot twist. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Venezuela would be paying the piper with 30 to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil delivered direct to the United States.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 6, 2026
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. 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! I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
As RedState previously reported, Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, and the rogues' gallery of deposed dictator Nicolás Maduro's cabinet are about as trustworthy as rattlesnakes in the hot sun. My colleague streiff noted that there have been sightings of sanctioned oil tankers moving out from Venezuela. This raised suspicions that, despite Maduro's arrest, as far as Rodriguez is concerned, it was back to corrupt business as usual.
Read More: Venezuela's New President Has the Same Crime Problem As Maduro and Might Be a Helluva Lot Smarter
The Trump announcement gives new insight. Quite possibly, that tanker of sanctioned oil is part of that 30 to 50 million barrels being reclaimed by the United States. Trump's promise to ensure the purchase price of the oil will go toward restoring the Venezuelan people is welcome news to them.
WATCH:
“If Trump needs that oil to give us freedom, then that’s the price we’re willing to pay.”
— Alexandra Lavoie (@ThevoiceAlexa) January 5, 2026
A Venezuelan exile explains to me in Florida that everyone is in Venezuela for the oil — China, Russia — but if it’s about restoring freedom, she prefers Trump over everyone else. pic.twitter.com/wR8cxot4ex
This also gives a window into how the Trump administration will keep a tight rein on Maduro's hench crew, while freezing out China and Russia.
This is brilliant: Trump is controlling Venezuela’s new government by controlling its oil exports, its lifeline. And by the way, he’s been cutting off shipments to China and Russia. Foreign policy doesn’t get smarter than this.
— Gordon G. Chang (@GordonGChang) January 6, 2026
It seems the "Donroe" doctrine is reaping dividends sooner than anyone expected.
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