‘On its way’: Trump confirms 30M barrels of Venezuelan oil to US
Trump: 30 million barrels of oil are on its way from Venezuela to USA pic.twitter.com/8JdcELFdvN
— Laurin (@ordnungimchaos_) January 9, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: President Trump announced on Friday, January 9, that roughly $4 billion in Venezuelan oil is "on its way to the United States" following the capture of ousted President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump said this massive shipment of 30 million barrels marks a new chapter of cooperation between the two countries.
Trump says $4 billion Venezuelan oil heading to US
President Trump explained that the oil is already moving toward American shores because the new leaders in Caracas now respect the United States.
"The number is 30 million barrels. It's on its way to the United States right now, and we want to thank Venezuela for that. We're working very well with them," Trump stated.
He noted that help from Maduro’s former deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, came after the United States demonstrated its military strength.
"Obviously, they wouldn't have been so generous, but they respect us again," he said, adding, "They didn't respect us at all before."
Trump urges oil bosses to modernize Venezuelan infrastructure
Trump met with oil company executives at the White House to discuss the future of Venezuela's energy sector.
"So that's money that goes to the United States. Some will go to Venezuela, and some will go to the oil companies when the US drills additional oil in the future, but not that seized $4 billion worth, because that's already been extracted," Trump explained.
During the meeting, he also urged top oil companies to update Venezuela’s energy infrastructure, saying, "I hope you’re going to build all brand new stuff, rip out the old equipment that’s been there for so many years, and do it the right way."
He believes this move will “bring millions of barrels of oil production to benefit the United States, the people of Venezuela, and the entire world.”
Trump clarifies no deal means no support for oil companies
The President made it clear that while he wants American companies to invest billions, they will only have his support if a solid deal is reached with the new government.
He promised "total safety" for workers but warned that the US would oversee how the oil is sold.
“If we make a deal, you’re going to be there a long time. If we don’t make a deal, you won’t be there at all,” he told the executives.
Trump is pushing for these changes now that Maduro is gone, aiming to reverse years of decay caused by past instability and old sanctions.
