Wed Jan 07 00:32:11 UTC 2026: # Trump Claims Control of Venezuelan Oil After Military Raid, Sparks Controversy

The Story:
On January 6, 2026, President Donald Trump announced that “Interim Authorities” in Venezuela would supply the U.S. with 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil at market prices. This declaration followed a U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro, who is wanted in the U.S. on drug charges, and the deaths of at least 24 Venezuelan security officers and 32 Cuban military and police officers. Trump stated that the oil revenues would be controlled by him and used for the benefit of both Venezuela and the United States.

The announcement has drawn criticism from Democrats. The White House is planning a meeting with oil company executives from Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips to discuss Venezuela. The article further details the reactions of Venezuelan officials, including acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who defied Trump’s threats, and Attorney General Tarek William Saab, who condemned the raid as a “war crime.” The event is causing a wave of strong reactions on social media and in the media in general.

Key Points:

  • President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela would supply the U.S. with 30 to 50 million barrels of oil after a military raid that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro.
  • At least 24 Venezuelan security officers and 32 Cuban military and police officers were killed in the U.S. military operation.
  • Seven U.S. service members were injured in the raid.
  • Trump stated that he would control the oil revenues to benefit both Venezuela and the U.S.
  • The White House is organizing a meeting with oil company executives to discuss Venezuela.
  • Venezuelan officials condemned the raid and vowed to rescue Maduro.
  • Democrats are criticizing the military operation, while Trump claims they are not giving him credit.

Critical Analysis:

This situation reveals a continued aggressive foreign policy stance by the U.S. towards Venezuela, particularly concerning its vast oil reserves. This is not the first time a US leader has tried to influence Venezuela’s governance. The operation to capture Maduro, coupled with the subsequent announcement regarding oil supplies, suggests a coordinated effort to exert control over Venezuela’s resources and political landscape. The deaths of both Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel indicate a willingness to use force to achieve these objectives, risking international backlash and escalating tensions in the region. The fact that the US doubled the award for Maduro’s capture suggests a concerted and long-term strategy to remove him from power, irrespective of the implications for Venezuelan sovereignty and regional stability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. is actively intervening in Venezuela, using military force and asserting control over its oil resources.
  • The situation is creating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as well as potentially with Cuba and other nations.
  • The Democrats are concerned with the events, yet Trump still claims they should be thankful.
  • This event has the potential to destabilize the region and further strain international relations.
  • The U.S. is prioritizing access to Venezuelan oil, even at the cost of political and military conflict.

Impact Analysis:

This series of events has significant long-term implications:

  • Geopolitical Instability: Increased U.S. involvement in Venezuela could lead to further regional instability, attracting involvement from other global powers with interests in the region, like Russia or China.
  • Economic Ramifications: The control of Venezuelan oil by the U.S. could significantly alter global energy markets, potentially impacting prices and supply chains. Other oil-producing nations may respond strategically.
  • Humanitarian Crisis: The political turmoil and potential for ongoing conflict could exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, leading to increased migration and further suffering for the Venezuelan people.
  • Erosion of International Norms: The U.S. military operation and subsequent assertion of control over Venezuelan resources could undermine international norms of sovereignty and non-intervention, setting a precedent for similar actions in other resource-rich nations.
  • Domestic Political Divide: The events in Venezuela will likely deepen the political divide in the U.S., with Democrats criticizing Trump’s actions and potentially leading to further investigations and political conflict.

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