Trump announces major US stake in Venezuelan oil

President Donald Trump announced on Friday a significant oil deal with Venezuela, granting the United States majority control over 65 billion barrels of proven petroleum reserves. This deal, hailed by Trump as the "biggest oil deal in world history," is poised to inject nearly $100 billion in private investment into Venezuela's economy, according to US and Venezuelan officials.

Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, has faced intense pressure under the Trump administration following the ousting of longtime ruler Nicolas Maduro in January. To maintain stability, Maduro's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, was allowed to remain in power as interim leader, provided she adheres to US directives.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed his eagerness to secure Venezuelan oil for the US, noting that the deal would more than double US oil reserves. Interim leader Rodriguez emphasized the deal's historical significance, projecting substantial investment and tax revenue for the nation. Trump's Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, brokered the agreement with Rodriguez through a partnership with private businesses.

The deal aims to bolster the already strengthening relationship between Venezuela and the United States. While many questions persist regarding the specifics of the transfer, the agreement is expected to generate substantial investment, create high-paying jobs, and contribute to Venezuela's economic reconstruction. Nonetheless, concerns about the safety and security of investments in Venezuela remain, with energy experts cautioning about the challenges posed by the country's infrastructure and past government actions.