President Donald Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright discussing the strategic transport of Venezuelan oil to the United States.

US President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela will transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States following the ouster of Nicolas Maduro.

In a significant move to leverage the fallout from the capture of Nicolás Maduro, US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, that Venezuela’s interim authorities will transfer between 30 million and 50 million barrels of high-quality oil to the United States.  

The announcement follows the dramatic "Operation Absolute Resolve," a U.S. military strike on Saturday that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. 

Trump stated that the oil, previously under international sanction, would be sold at market value, with the proceeds being held in U.S. controlled accounts.  

According to Trump’s statement on Truth Social, the move is designed to stabilize regional energy markets and provide immediate benefits to both nations. 

"This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!" he wrote.  

Energy Secretary Chris Wright has been ordered to execute the plan immediately. Reports indicate that much of this oil is already stored on tankers and in warehouses, awaiting transport to U.S. Gulf Coast facilities for refining.  

Key Detail                   Information

Quantity                      30 to 50 Million Barrels

Estimated Value         $1.8 Billion to $3.0 Billion (at $60/barrel)

Lead Official                Energy Secretary Chris Wright

Destination                  Unloading docks in the United States

The oil deal was finalized just a day after Delcy Rodríguez, the former Vice President, was sworn in as the interim president of Venezuela. 

While she initially condemned the U.S. operation as a "kidnapping," her administration has pivoted toward cooperation to ensure "peace and dialogue."  

Meanwhile, Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Monday, January 5, where they pleaded not guilty to various narco-terrorism and weapons charges.  

Global oil markets reacted quickly to the news, with U.S. crude futures dropping nearly 2% to approximately $56 per barrel. Trump noted that having Venezuela back as a reliable oil producer is a "win" for the U.S. economy, as it will help keep domestic fuel prices low.  

Critics and international law experts continue to debate the legality of the U.S. intervention, but for the Trump administration, the focus remains firmly on securing energy interests and managing the transition in Caracas.