Trump Announces Transfer of Venezuelan Oil to the U.S.

In a significant development reflecting escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will receive up to 50million barrels of high-quality Venezuelan oil, asserting that the revenues from this oil will be managed directly by his administration.

Trump made the announcement on Wednesday via a post on his platform "Truth Social," following reports of ongoing negotiations between U.S. and Venezuelan officials regarding the export of sanctioned Venezuelan crude oil to the U.S.

The President stated that Venezuelan authorities will supply between 30 and 50million barrels of oil, indicating that this oil will be sold at global market prices, while the U.S. government will oversee all financial transactions.

Trump added that the funds will be managed "in a way that benefits the American and Venezuelan people," suggesting a direct U.S. involvement in managing one of Venezuela's key resources.

* Focus on Venezuelan Reforms Before Elections

In previous statements, Trump emphasized that his administration does not prioritize Venezuelan elections at this time, focusing instead on "reforming Venezuela" in the current phase.

He mentioned that Washington is engaging only with officials who have recently taken office, referring to interim president Delcy Rodríguez, and noted that elections will occur "at the right time."

While asserting that he does not wish to interfere in the political affairs of other nations, as seen in Iraq and Afghanistan, Trump has recently shown a keen interest in Venezuela's vast oil resources, which are reportedly the largest in the world based on proven reserves.

* Caracas Responds: "Venezuela Will Not Be Governed Externally"

In response, interim president Delcy Rodríguez firmly stated on her first day in office that "no foreign agent will govern Venezuela."

This statement followed a swift U.S. military action that resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and the deaths of 55 members of the Venezuelan and Cuban armed forces.

In reaction to Trump's comments about U.S. oversight of Venezuelan affairs and his warning that Rodríguez would "pay a high price if she does not act correctly," she emphasized that "only the Venezuelan government manages the country's affairs."

* Mourning and Resistance Threats

In a televised address, Rodríguez confirmed that the Venezuelan people remain steadfast and are prepared to defend their homeland, announcing a week of mourning for the victims of the U.S. attack.

Rodríguez, 56, a loyal supporter of Maduro, was sworn in as interim president on Monday, leading a government that includes influential figures such as the hardline Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and the strong Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López.

* Constitutional Term Limits and Potential Early Elections

According to the Venezuelan constitution, Rodríguez's interim term lasts 90 days, with the possibility of extending it for an additional three months by decision of the National Assembly.

If the presidency is officially declared vacant—which has not yet occurred—the law mandates the calling of presidential elections within just 30 days.

Amid these rapid developments, Venezuela stands at a critical crossroads between the struggle for sovereignty and resources and external interventions that place its oil wealth at the center of a highly complex political equation.