Trump Announces 50M Barrel Oil Deal Following Maduro Capture

WASHINGTON:  In a swift escalation of the post-Maduro era, President Donald Trump has ordered the immediate transfer of up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the United States. The move follows a high-stakes, “dead-of-night” military operation that successfully captured Nicolás Maduro but left a trail of casualties in the Venezuelan capital.

Joe Biden tried to hunt down Nicolas Maduro towards the end of his presidency.

President Trump announced on Truth Social that Energy Secretary Chris Wright has been tasked with executing the plan. The “high quality” crude will be moved via storage ships directly to U.S. unloading docks at market price.

“I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately,” Trump posted. While the President stated the funds would be used to “benefit the people” of both nations, he clarified that the money would remain under his direct control as President. The White House has already scheduled a meeting with CEOs from Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips to discuss the future of Venezuela’s vast reserves.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

The capture of Maduro was not without significant cost. Venezuelan officials confirmed that at least 24 security officers were killed during the raid. Additionally, the Cuban government reported that 32 of its military and police personnel, who were guarding the compound, were slain in the operation.

The Pentagon confirmed that seven U.S. service members were injured, suffering from gunshot wounds and shrapnel. Despite the violence, Maduro appeared in a U.S. courtroom on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges.

Colombian soldiers guard the border with Venezuela in Villa del Rosario, Colombia

Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has resisted calls from Washington to “overhaul” the country to align with American interests. Trump warned Rodriguez she would face an “outcome worse than Maduro’s” if she failed to comply.

“My destiny is not determined by them, but by God,” Rodriguez responded in a televised address. Meanwhile, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab has labeled the raid a “war crime” and launched an investigation into the dozens of deaths reported over the weekend.