Trump says US seized Venezuelan oil, outlines plan for ‘sovereignty’ over Greenland base areas
WASHINGTON, DC: Trump said in an exclusive interview with The Post, that the United States has seized Venezuelan oil from seven tankers and is now processing the crude in American refineries, including in Houston.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump also outlined a new strategy to assert US sovereignty over key military areas in Greenland, stating his administration aims to “have everything we want” in both the Arctic and South America.
Seated behind the Resolute Desk, Trump outlined US policy toward Venezuela following the removal of Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
While confirming that Venezuelan oil has been seized from multiple tankers and is being processed in US refineries, he declined to disclose the current locations of the vessels, underscoring the administration's strategic posture amid rising tensions.
Location of Seized Tankers Remains Unknown
“I’m not allowed to tell you,” Trump said when asked about the ships’ whereabouts. “But let’s put it this way, they don’t have any oil. We take the oil.”
The President said the crude is already entering the US energy system. “The oil’s coming into the refineries in Houston, in various places,” he said. According to Trump, the administration plans to sell up to 50 million barrels at market price and use the proceeds for reconstruction. “Venezuela is going to get some, and we’re going to get some,” he added, saying US oil companies are expected to invest up to $100 billion to rebuild the sector.
Praise for new interim leadership
Trump said the operation has been aided by cooperation with the new authorities in Caracas. “We have a great relationship with the new president,” he said of interim President Delcy Rodríguez. “She’s been terrific.”
A Nobel Peace Prize presented to Trump by opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was visible in the office during the interview, leaning against a gold eagle statue. Trump said he has not yet decided where it will be displayed in the White House.
Gaining sovereignty over Greenland base areas
Turning to Greenland, Trump expanded on the “framework” he announced following his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Davos. He confirmed that the United States is seeking sovereignty over specific areas that host American military installations, including the Pituffik Space Base.
“Yeah,” Trump said when asked directly. “We’ll have everything we want. We have some interesting talks going on.” A source familiar with the discussions said the model mirrors Britain’s “sovereign base areas” in Cyprus, where military zones are treated as British territory.
Local opposition calls sovereignty red line
The push reflects concerns in Washington that US access could be constrained if Greenland moves toward independence. Local leaders, however, have firmly rejected any ceding of sovereignty and stressed that the island's future must be decided by its own people within the framework of international law.
Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Thursday that ceding land is not under consideration. “Sovereignty is a red line,” he said. Despite this, Trump expressed confidence that the United States can secure control over sites he views as essential to national defense, shifting from earlier calls for full ownership of the island to a narrower focus on strategic zones.
