Trump Claims Venezuela Will Send U.S. 50 Million Barrels of Oil, Promises Personal Control of Funds

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela is preparing to send a massive shipment of oil to the United States. He said the South American nation is "turning over" up to 50 million barrels. Trump made the claim in a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday. He added that the payment for the oil would be under his authority. "That money will be controlled by me," Trump wrote. He promised to "ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States." The statement provides no details on how such an agreement would work. There is also no independent confirmation of the alleged oil deal from Venezuelan authorities. The U.S. maintains strict economic sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector. Any major transaction would require a significant shift in official U.S. policy.