The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, has completed its first sale of Venezuelan oil, generating $500 million, with the funds being held in multiple bank accounts, the largest of which is located in Qatar. This decision, aimed at ensuring the safe and neutral handling of the proceeds, has drawn criticism, with concerns raised about potential corruption. Treasury officials have stated that the department will oversee the accounts, with the disbursement of funds directed by the President and Secretary of State. While the administration is seeking to foster investments in Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, some oil companies, such as ExxonMobil, have expressed hesitancy due to past experiences and existing legal frameworks.
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President Donald Trump expressed a reluctance to include ExxonMobil in Venezuela’s oil ventures, citing dissatisfaction with the company’s response to investment opportunities. Trump had previously met with oil executives to reassure them about direct dealings with the U.S., but ExxonMobil’s CEO, Darren Woods, deemed the current commercial framework in Venezuela “uninvestable.” Furthermore, Trump signed an executive order safeguarding Venezuelan oil revenue from judicial proceedings to promote economic stability. The administration prioritizes U.S. oil companies’ investment in Venezuela to rebuild the country’s infrastructure.
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On Sunday, Donald Trump shared an edited image on TRUTH depicting himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela” as of January 2026, seemingly after a US military operation toppled the Maduro government. Following the capture of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, Trump reportedly allowed Delcy Rodríguez to assume control as interim president while vowing to oversee the Venezuelan government until a safe transition, with the US controlling the oil supply. Trump also warned of further military action if key figures didn’t comply with US demands, including access to Venezuelan oil, and announced plans to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of crude. The US Secretary of State outlined a three-step plan involving stabilization, access for US oil companies, and a transition period.
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So, the situation appears to be that Trump is saying he’s going to keep Exxon out of Venezuela’s oil industry. But, and this is a pretty big “but,” Exxon seems to be the one who doesn’t *want* in. It’s almost like a child throwing a tantrum, declaring they’re not inviting someone to a party the person wasn’t even planning on attending.
The crux of the matter seems to be Exxon’s assessment that the whole Venezuelan oil situation isn’t a good investment. They’ve essentially said, “It’s uninvestable,” which, coming from a major oil company, is pretty telling. It looks like they’re seeing a bunch of red flags: the low quality of the oil, the logistical nightmares of getting it out, and the sheer cost of modernizing the infrastructure.… Continue reading
In a recent Truth Social post, Donald Trump declared himself the “acting president of Venezuela,” sharing an edited screenshot of his Wikipedia page to support the claim. This follows his suggestion that he would “run” Venezuela after U.S. forces, allegedly, abducted its leader, Nicolás Maduro, for “narcoterrorism” charges. Trump plans to control the country’s oil reserves, including seeking $100 billion in investment to revive its oil production, though he is also considering blocking ExxonMobil from participating, due to the company’s CEO calling the country “uninvestable.” Trump has provided no timeline for elections in Venezuela, while suggesting that the Venezuelan government would transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S.
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Trump Cancels Second Attack on Venezuela, Cites Cooperation
The headline read that former President Trump had called off a second wave of attacks on Venezuela, and the reasoning given was an improvement in cooperation from the South American country. According to his Truth Social post, Venezuela was “working well” with the United States on rebuilding its oil and gas infrastructure, and also releasing a significant number of political prisoners. Therefore, another round of military action didn’t seem necessary, at least for now. This announcement immediately impacted the markets, with oil prices adjusting slightly. The move was particularly interesting given that the Trump administration was simultaneously pushing U.S.… Continue reading
Following the removal of Nicolás Maduro, the political landscape in Venezuela is shifting as the existing regime tightens its control. Despite initial hopes for a new government after Maduro’s capture, there has been no release of political prisoners, and the government is cracking down on any dissent. A classified intelligence assessment suggests that top members of the Maduro regime are best positioned to maintain stability. This situation has led to mixed reactions, with some Venezuelans feeling disillusioned, while others remain optimistic about the prospect of change.
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The White House claims control over Venezuela’s government despite the acting president’s assertion of independent rule after the removal of Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces. White House officials, including President Trump, are reportedly coordinating with Venezuelan “interim authorities,” with the U.S. supposedly dictating their decisions. This contradicts claims from acting president Delcy Rodriguez, who declared Venezuela’s government to be in charge. Trump’s decision to allow Rodriguez to lead, rather than installing opposition figures, is reportedly due to her military support and Trump’s disapproval of opposition leader Machado.
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The author critiques the notion that Donald Trump’s actions regarding Venezuela constitute a “freedom agenda,” arguing that Trump’s primary focus is on securing Venezuela’s oil resources for American companies, not on promoting democracy or human rights. Trump has dismissed the legitimate democratic opposition and instead is working with Maduro’s Marxist vice president and has threatened violence. The author points out that Trump’s actions are driven by a desire for plunder and bullying, contrasting this with historical US interventions aimed at promoting freedom and democracy. Trump’s behavior is compared to the actions of an outlaw nation and the author’s final statement is, “This. Is. Not. True.”
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In a recent announcement, President Trump stated Venezuela would provide between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., with proceeds benefiting both nations. The White House is also organizing a meeting with U.S. oil executives to discuss increasing American investment in Venezuela’s oil industry. Meanwhile, officials have reported casualties from a U.S. military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, and the Venezuelan government is investigating the deaths. Despite political tensions and questions about oil production, discussions regarding the future of Venezuelan oil and its implications continue.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Trump’s “Acting President of Venezuela” Post Sparks Outrage and Concerns
On Sunday, Donald Trump shared an edited image on TRUTH depicting himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela” as of January 2026, seemingly after a US military operation toppled the Maduro government. Following the capture of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, Trump reportedly allowed Delcy Rodríguez to assume control as interim president while vowing to oversee the Venezuelan government until a safe transition, with the US controlling the oil supply. Trump also warned of further military action if key figures didn’t comply with US demands, including access to Venezuelan oil, and announced plans to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of crude. The US Secretary of State outlined a three-step plan involving stabilization, access for US oil companies, and a transition period.
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