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Trump Says U.S. Will Sell Venezuelan Oil After Maduro’s Capture
TLDR
- President Trump said the US will sell “large amounts” of Venezuelan oil after capturing President Nicolas Maduro.
- The US carried out a large-scale military strike in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, capturing Maduro and his wife.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi announced narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy charges against Maduro and Cilia Flores.
- Venezuela declared full military mobilisation and called the operation a “military aggression” and an illegal kidnapping.
- UN and Latin American leaders condemned the US strike, citing violations of international law and UN Charter principles.
President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will take control of Venezuela’s oil reserves following the recent capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Speaking after a large-scale military operation in Caracas, Trump said the US plans to sell “large amounts” of Venezuelan oil to international buyers.
Trump Says US Will Sell Venezuelan Oil After Maduro’s Capture
President Donald Trump said the United States will control Venezuelan oil reserves following Nicolas Maduro’s capture. Trump stated the government plans to sell large volumes of oil internationally. The remarks followed recent US military actions in Venezuela. Trump said, “We’re in the oil business,” during his latest public address. He said the US will sell oil to countries seeking additional supply. Trump linked the plan to Venezuela’s damaged energy infrastructure.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸🇻🇪 President Trump says the US will use Venezuela’s oil reserves and sell “large amounts” to other countries after capturing Nicolás Maduro.
“We’re in the oil business.” pic.twitter.com/U9NDR2eYKy
— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) January 3, 2026
He said Venezuela cannot produce enough oil because its infrastructure remains weak. He added that US-managed production would increase export volumes. Trump said existing buyers already rely on Venezuelan crude. Trump said more countries would purchase oil once supplies expand. He said the US would not restrict oil sales under the plan. The statement marked Trump’s latest comments after Maduro’s capture.
How Did the U.S. Military Capture Venezuela’s President in a Surprise Strike?
A post on X by the White House official account confirmed it conducted a large-scale military operation in Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro. The announcement followed explosions across Caracas and surrounding areas on January 3, 2026. President Trump said Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the country.”
🚨 LIVE at 11:00 AM EST: Remarks from President Donald J. Trump. https://t.co/anKNO8UrpX
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026
Explosions were reported near Fort Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex, early Saturday morning. CBS and Fox News cited unnamed US officials who confirmed the military’s involvement in the operation. President Trump later said, “The operation could not have been better,” in a televised interview.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed Maduro and Cilia Flores were indicted in the Southern District of New York. Charges include narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy, and both are described as “alleged international narco traffickers.” Bondi stated they would face justice “on American soil in American courts.”
Venezuela’s Defence Minister Padrino Lopez declared full military mobilisation in response to what he called “military aggression.” He said the armed forces remain united and would not surrender national sovereignty. The Venezuelan government demanded proof of life and described the strike as an illegal kidnapping.
Global Response and Legal Criticism Mount
Legal experts and human rights groups condemned the US operation as a violation of international law. UN special rapporteur Ben Saul labelled it “illegal aggression” and called for Trump to be investigated. Saul stated, “Every Venezuelan life lost is a violation of the right to life.”
I condemn the US’ illegal aggression against Venezuela & the illegal abduction of its leader & his wife. Every Venezuelan life lost is a violation of the right to life. President Trump should be impeached & investigated for the alleged killings https://t.co/3OjWtOQ1hE
— Prof Ben Saul – UN SR Human Rights & Counterterror (@profbensaul) January 3, 2026
International leaders raised concerns, with Brazil and Mexico calling the strikes a breach of UN principles. Mexico’s president referenced Article 2 of the UN Charter in her criticism. Brazil’s president described the action as crossing “an unacceptable line.”
Analyst Phil Gunson compared Maduro’s arrest to the US seizure of Manuel Noriega in 1990. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanded accountability and transparency from Washington. Meanwhile, Caracas declared a national emergency and accused the US of attempting to seize its oil resources.
