On January 7, 2026, President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela's interim leadership would transfer between 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, with the proceeds intended to benefit both Venezuelan and American citizens. This announcement follows a military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are now facing drug trafficking charges in New York. Reports indicate that the military action resulted in significant casualties, with estimates of over 70 fatalities, raising serious humanitarian concerns.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of this oil transfer, which will involve transporting the oil to U.S. ports. Trump expressed optimism that U.S. oil companies could revitalize Venezuela's oil production, despite the country's ongoing economic challenges and political instability. Currently, Chevron is the only major U.S. oil company operating in Venezuela, following the exit of others due to nationalization policies enacted by previous administrations.

The military operation has sparked legal and ethical debates, particularly regarding the lack of congressional authorization for such actions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously indicated that the administration was not preparing for military strikes against Venezuela, yet subsequent actions contradicted this assertion. Critics argue that the operation undermines constitutional processes and raises questions about the U.S. commitment to respecting national sovereignty.

The implications of U.S. control over Venezuelan oil resources are significant, as the Trump administration aims to manage the sale of oil indefinitely. Wright stated that the revenues from these sales could potentially be redirected to benefit the Venezuelan populace, although the specifics of this plan remain unclear. The U.S. has also imposed a blockade on Venezuelan oil exports, further complicating the country's economic situation.

As the situation evolves, the interim leadership in Venezuela, represented by Delcy Rodríguez, faces the challenge of navigating relations with the U.S. while maintaining internal support. The broader geopolitical context, including tensions with Russia and the implications of military interventions, underscores the complexities surrounding U.S. actions in Venezuela and their potential impact on regional stability and humanitarian conditions.