Following the reported removal of Nicolás Maduro from power on January 3rd, the Trump governance announced plans Tuesday to sieze between 30 and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil currently under U.S. sanctions [[1]]. The move, personally directed by President Trump, aims to bolster U.S. energy reserves and fund both Venezuelan and American interests, though details regarding the distribution of funds remain unclear [[3]]. The announcement comes as the administration publicly acknowledges casualties resulting from recent military operations in Venezuela, including a notable number of Cuban soldiers [[2]].
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Presiden AS Donald Trump dan Menteri Perang Pete Hegseth menyaksikan penculikan Nicolas Maduro di Washington, D.C., pada 3 Januari 2026. Foto/Donald Trump’s Truth
“This oil will be sold at market prices, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States, to ensure it is used for the benefit of the Venezuelan and American people!” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform.
Trump further explained, “I have directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to immediately execute this plan. The oil will be transported via storage vessels and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States.”
The announcement was accompanied by an acknowledgement from Trump regarding casualties sustained during military operations in Venezuela. He indicated that a significant number of those killed were Cuban nationals.
“And on the other side, many people have been killed (in the military operations in Venezuela). Sadly, I will say that soldiers, mostly Cubans, but a lot of them have been killed,” Trump said during a speech at a House Republican Conference meeting.
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The confirmation of casualties and the planned seizure of Venezuelan oil are likely to draw international scrutiny and could further complicate diplomatic efforts in the region.
