President Trump announced on January 6, 2026, a new energy agreement between the United States and Venezuela. The initiative aims to strengthen U.S. national security in the Western Hemisphere and support efforts to rebuild Venezuela as an ally.
The announcement follows the apprehension of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026. Maduro had been indicted for several violent crimes, including narco-terrorism conspiracy.
According to the statement, Secretary Wright and the Department of Energy are collaborating with interim Venezuelan authorities and private industry partners to implement this deal.
“The United States government has begun marketing Venezuelan crude oil in the global marketplace for the benefit of the United States, Venezuela, and our allies. We have engaged the world’s leading commodity marketers and key banks to execute and provide financial support for these crude oil and crude products sales,” according to President Trump.
The proceeds from these sales will be held in U.S.-controlled accounts at internationally recognized banks. The funds will be distributed for the benefit of both Americans and Venezuelans under U.S. government discretion. Initial sales are expected to total approximately 30–50 million barrels, with continued sales planned indefinitely.
Oil transportation in and out of Venezuela will be limited to authorized channels that comply with U.S. law and national security requirements. Sanctions are being selectively eased by the United States to facilitate these transactions.
Additionally, U.S.-sourced diluent (light crude oil) will be exported to Venezuela as needed to enhance local heavy crude production processes. The deal also allows certain oil field equipment, parts, and services from American or international providers into Venezuela as part of efforts to reverse years of declining output through modernization projects.
Venezuela’s electricity grid has seen a decline in performance due to prolonged underinvestment and management issues. Nationwide power generation is reported to have dropped by over 30 percent after years of poor maintenance practices. The plan includes measures aimed at improving this infrastructure as a step toward economic recovery.
“We will work to improve the electricity grid, which is essential to increasing oil production, economic opportunity, and the daily quality of life for the Venezuelan people,” according to President Trump.
