Sun Jan 04 19:49:16 UTC 2026: Summary:
Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, President Trump has openly stated his desire for American companies to take control of Venezuela’s oil fields. He claims the US would “run the country” to rebuild the oil infrastructure and extract the country’s vast oil reserves for global sale. This pivot from earlier claims of anti-narcotics operations has fueled accusations that the US is after Venezuela’s oil. While Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been appointed acting president, Trump has indicated that US cooperation depends on her fulfilling US demands regarding the oil sector. Despite the potential for increased oil production to benefit Venezuela, it could also lead to disruptions in the global oil market, affecting OPEC and countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia.
News Article:
Trump Seeks US Takeover of Venezuelan Oil Fields After Maduro Abduction
Washington, D.C. – In a dramatic shift following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump has declared his intention to have American companies seize control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. The move comes after weeks of US officials framing their actions toward Venezuela as an anti-narcotics operation.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump stated that the US would “run the country” to rebuild oil infrastructure and extract what he termed a “tremendous amount of wealth out of the ground” for sale on the global market. This announcement has intensified accusations that the US’s true motive is to exploit Venezuela’s oil, the largest proven reserves in the world.
While Maduro has consistently denied involvement in the drug trade, the US has labeled Venezuelan-trafficked fentanyl a “weapon of mass destruction” and launched air strikes on boats accused of moving narcotics.
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been appointed acting president by Venezuela’s Supreme Court. Trump indicated that US cooperation hinges on Rodriguez meeting US demands, likely related to control over the oil sector. He dismissed the idea of working with exiled opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, stating she lacks popular support.
The potential for increased Venezuelan oil production, should US control succeed, raises concerns about disruptions in the global oil market. Experts warn of a possible supply glut that could impact OPEC’s stability and affect major oil-producing nations like Iran and Saudi Arabia. A US-directed Venezuela could grant Washington significant influence over global oil supply.
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