Trump Claims 50 Million Barrels of Venezuelan Oil Are Heading to Texas
Trump says 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil are heading to Texas, a claim made by the US president with no public confirmation or announcement from Caracas.
United States, PUREWILAYAH.COM — US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil are currently being shipped to the United States, a statement made publicly by the White House that has not been confirmed by Venezuelan authorities.
“We took in 50 million barrels of oil. It is right now heading to Houston,” Trump told reporters, describing the reported shipment as part of what he framed as a shift in US energy policy.
As of publication, no official statement from the Venezuelan government has acknowledged Trump’s remarks or announced any new oil-related arrangement with Washington.
Claim Originates From Washington
Trump’s comments constitute the sole public source for the claim regarding the shipment of Venezuelan oil. Venezuelan state institutions have made no corresponding announcement confirming the volume cited by the US president or characterizing the reported transfer as part of a bilateral agreement.
Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at approximately 300 billion barrels. The country’s oil output declined sharply over the past decade, falling from about 3.5 million barrels per day in 2013 to roughly 1 million barrels per day, a period marked by extensive US sanctions targeting Venezuela’s energy sector.
Trump’s remarks come amid continued political and military tensions following the January 3 US military operation in Venezuela.
According to Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, approximately 100 people were killed during the operation. The Cuban government confirmed that 32 Cuban security officials were among the dead.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has since stated publicly that no surrender occurred during the January events and has warned against continued external pressure on Venezuela.
No Confirmation From Caracas
While Trump framed the reported shipment as evidence of a change in US energy posture, Caracas has issued no public confirmation regarding the claim.
No Venezuelan authority has publicly described the shipment referenced by Trump, nor characterized it as part of a newly announced policy or agreement. (PW)