Venezuelan interim leader praises oil agreement with US as a path to prosperity
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, publicly defended the controversial energy deal with the United States, claiming it will bring investment and revenue exceeding $209 billion. She insisted the country retains ownership of its oil reserves, despite the agreement reportedly giving the US control over 65 billion barrels. Critics in Venezuela have expressed outrage over the deal, which was announced by President Trump as the largest in world history.
The agreement reportedly transfers control of 65 billion barrels from Venezuela’s 303 billion barrels of proven reserves, targeting 17 strategic oilfields with a hoped-for daily output of 1.5 million barrels. Rodríguez framed the deal as essential for converting underground wealth into development, citing needs for investment, technology, and infrastructure. Trump separately stated he would use the oil to refill the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, calling it a “gift” to Americans. The deal emerged from months of secret talks following Maduro’s abduction in January, with Rodríguez assuming power under Trump’s backing and explicit threat of consequences for noncompliance.
This deal could reshape global energy leverage, potentially entrenching U.S. control over a key resource while deepening Venezuela’s political dependency. Venezuelans may face immediate economic effects if promised revenues materialize, but critics fear long-term loss of sovereignty and national wealth. The arrangement could also influence international norms around resource extraction under coercive political transitions, affecting regional stability and trust in U.S. foreign policy.