The White House and senior officials from the U.S. Department of Energy have made the clearest statement to date on how to manage Venezuela's oil resources, stating that the U.S. has officially launched a global sales plan for Venezuelan oil and will &#34;indefinitely&#34; control the country's future oil exports and their revenues. This marks the beginning of the Trump administration's substantial control over the most important assets of this oil-rich nation after forcibly taking control from President Maduro.
On Wednesday, January 7th, Eastern Time, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany stated at a briefing that the U.S. has begun to sell Venezuelan oil globally, with the proceeds deposited into U.S.-controlled bank accounts, to be allocated at the discretion of the U.S. government. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette emphasized at a meeting that the U.S. will indefinitely control the sales of Venezuelan oil exports, stating, &#34;We just want to control the flow of funds.&#34;
The day before McEnany's remarks, according to Xinhua News Agency, President Trump stated on social media that Venezuela would transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of &#34;sanctioned high-quality oil&#34; to the U.S. Trump wrote that this batch of oil would be sold at market price, with the proceeds to be &#34;personally overseen&#34; by him, and he stated that he had instructed Energy Secretary Brouillette to implement the plan immediately. The oil will be received by tankers and directly transported to U.S. unloading docks. Subsequent reports indicated that this batch of oil is valued at approximately $2.8 billion based on market prices.
Following Trump's statement, on Wednesday morning in Asia, U.S. WTI crude oil fell below $55.80, hitting a daily low, down about 2.4% for the day. European stocks briefly turned positive during the session but later expanded their losses. After McEnany mentioned that the U.S. had begun selling Venezuelan oil, U.S. stocks approached their daily lows during the midday session. Brent crude oil approached $59.80, hitting a daily low, down nearly 1.5% for the day.
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Recent reports indicate that the Trump administration is pushing U.S. oil companies to rebuild Venezuela's oil infrastructure. On Wednesday, media reported that the Trump administration has engaged in discussions with several oil companies, with the White House scheduled to meet with executives from energy companies on Friday, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio may attend. This plan is based on the U.S. military's increased actions to seize Venezuelan-related tankers this week. According to Xinhua News Agency, the U.S. European Command claimed on social media that it had seized two tankers, one of which was flying the Russian flag.
This move has significant implications for the global energy market and geopolitical landscape. The U.S. effectively controlling Venezuelan oil exports not only changes the flow of oil from the country but may also reshape the energy map of Latin America, while simultaneously raising controversies regarding international law and sovereignty.
<h2>White House Confirms Launch of Global Sales of Venezuelan Oil</h2>
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany stated at Wednesday's press conference that the U.S. has begun selling Venezuelan oil in the global market. She noted that the U.S. estimates that 30 to 50 million barrels of oil are stockpiled in land tanks or tankers due to U.S. sanctions, and the interim government of Venezuela has agreed to release this oil
Leavitt stated that all sales proceeds from Venezuelan crude oil and petroleum products will first be deposited into accounts controlled by the United States and opened at globally recognized banks, &#34;to ensure the legality and integrity of the final distribution of proceeds.&#34; These funds will be decided by the U.S. government for the benefit of both the American and Venezuelan people.
Leavitt also mentioned that this batch of oil will &#34;soon&#34; begin to arrive in the United States, but she refused to disclose the timeline for U.S. control over Venezuelan oil. She said, &#34;Secretary of State Rubio and the entire team are seriously developing a long-term plan, so rest assured there is a long-term plan. This is the first step you will see.&#34;
Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA stated in a statement that it is negotiating with the U.S. government regarding crude oil sales, with a negotiation framework similar to its arrangement with Chevron. Chevron is currently the only major U.S. oil company operating in Venezuela.
<h2>Energy Secretary Claims It Is Not About Seizing Venezuelan Oil but Controlling Sales Funds Flow</h2>
U.S. Energy Secretary Wright made a more direct statement at an energy industry conference in Miami on Wednesday. He stated that the U.S. will indefinitely control the sale of Venezuelan oil, including both inventory and future &#34;indefinite&#34; sales, with proceeds deposited into U.S. accounts. This is the clearest statement yet from the U.S. government on how to bring Venezuelan crude oil to market and manage its most valuable resource.
Wright stated that the initial oil will come from Venezuela's stockpiled crude, which has accumulated due to U.S. sanctions and has threatened some production facilities with forced shutdowns. Wright said, &#34;We just want to get this crude flowing again and sell it. We will sell the crude oil shipped from Venezuela—first from these backlog stockpiles, and then indefinitely sell Venezuela's future production.&#34;
Wright acknowledged that the U.S. only wants to control the flow of funds, not seize Venezuelan oil. Media reports indicate that informed sources revealed that depositing proceeds into U.S. Treasury accounts will prevent these funds from being pursued by Venezuela's creditors.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Wright stated that the U.S. aims to stabilize and grow Venezuelan oil production by providing heavy crude oil diluents, parts, equipment, and services. He mentioned that the U.S. will create conditions for major American oil companies to enter Venezuela. The Trump administration is also considering establishing a compensation mechanism for U.S. oil companies investing in Venezuela.
The U.S. Department of Energy stated that as part of its efforts, the U.S. is selectively easing some sanctions on the Venezuelan oil industry. Wright estimated that Venezuela's oil production could increase by hundreds of thousands of barrels per day in the coming years, but returning to historical highs will require hundreds of billions of dollars in investment and &#34;a considerable amount of time.&#34; The country's current production is less than 1 million barrels per day.
<h2>Trump Administration Prepares for Consultations with Oil Companies</h2>
The Trump administration is actively promoting the participation of U.S. oil companies in the reconstruction of Venezuela's oil infrastructure. Leavitt stated on Wednesday that Trump is scheduled to meet with energy executives on Friday, &#34;This is just a discussion meeting, and clearly, what lies ahead for these oil companies is a huge opportunity.&#34;
Media reports indicate that an official revealed that the U.S. government has engaged in dialogue with several oil companies. The media also cited informed sources stating that Secretary of State Rubio may also attend this planned meeting. Trump is pushing for U.S. oil companies such as Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and ExxonMobil to rebuild Venezuela's infrastructure and restore production
Levitt emphasized that there is currently a significant amount of engagement with the private sector. U.S. government officials have begun discussions with global banks to provide financial support for oil sales. She stated, &#34;This is not only beneficial for the U.S. but will also restore prosperity, security, and assurance between the U.S. and Venezuela.&#34;
However, the media believes that restoring the former glory of Venezuela's oil industry will be a daunting task. Francisco Monaldi, the Latin American energy policy director at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, estimates that approximately $10 billion will need to be invested annually over the next decade. The Venezuelan oil industry has suffered from years of corruption, insufficient investment, and poor management, and U.S. oil companies have publicly expressed little interest in undertaking such projects so far.
<h2>U.S. Military Seizes Two Oil Tankers</h2>
As Trump announced that the U.S. would sell up to 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan oil, the U.S. military initiated a seizure operation against sanctioned oil tankers.
According to CCTV news on Wednesday, the U.S. has launched a seizure operation against sanctioned tankers in the North Atlantic. CCTV cited sources familiar with the operation stating that the U.S. has officially begun the seizure of the tanker &#34;Mariner,&#34; which was previously named &#34;Bella 1.&#34; The U.S. Coast Guard had been tracking this tanker for about two weeks.
According to Xinhua News Agency, at 8:43 AM Eastern Time on the 7th, the U.S. European Command announced on social media that it had seized a tanker flying the Russian flag in the North Atlantic. About half an hour later, the U.S. Southern Command announced on social media that it had seized a stateless tanker named &#34;Sophia&#34; in international waters. Both vessels are related to Venezuela.
CCTV reported that multiple NATO countries have intensified monitoring of the &#34;Mariner&#34; tanker. Shipping data shows that the vessel suddenly slowed down and changed course in the North Atlantic. It is reported that this tanker was originally scheduled to load oil in Venezuela but was unable to dock due to the U.S. blockade and is currently in an empty state.
<h2>Russia Strongly Condemns U.S. Seizure of Tanker</h2>
According to Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday, Russia strongly condemned the U.S. seizure of the &#34;Mariner&#34; tanker flying the Russian flag and demanded that the U.S. ensure the humane treatment of Russian citizens on board the tanker.
The Russian Ministry of Transport stated on social media that on December 24, 2025, the &#34;Mariner&#34; was granted temporary permission to sail under the flag of the Russian Federation. Around 3 PM Moscow time on January 7, 2026, U.S. military personnel boarded the vessel in international waters, after which contact with the vessel was lost. The Russian Ministry of Transport pointed out that according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies to international waters, and no country has the right to use force against vessels under the jurisdiction of other countries.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the same day that it is closely monitoring the reports and demands that the U.S. ensure the humane treatment of Russian citizens on board the tanker, emphasizing that the U.S. should respect the rights of Russian citizens on the tanker and should not obstruct their prompt return home.
The chairman of the Constitutional Committee of the Federation Council, Klintsevich, stated on social media that the U.S. seizure of the Russian tanker is &#34;open piracy.&#34; He wrote, &#34;After conducting 'law enforcement actions' on Venezuelan territory that resulted in dozens of deaths, the U.S. is now openly engaging in piracy on the high seas.&#34;
&#34;All of this follows the infamous 'rules' of the U.S., violating international legal norms.&#34;
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated on social media the same day that the blockade of &#34;sanctioned Venezuelan oil remains fully effective globally.&#34;
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The White House announced that the United States has launched a global sales plan for Venezuelan oil and will indefinitely control the country's oil exports and revenues. The proceeds from the sales will be deposited into bank accounts controlled by the United States, with the government deciding on the distribution. Trump stated that Venezuela will transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, valued at approximately $2.8 billion. This news led to a decline in WTI crude oil prices. The Trump administration is also promoting the reconstruction of Venezuela's oil infrastructure and consulting with several oil companies

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The White House stated that the U.S. has begun a global sale of Venezuelan oil, and the U.S. Secretary of Energy said it will "indefinitely" control the sale of Venezuelan oil