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Donald Trump has announced the Venezuela will only be purchasing “American made” products with the money made from its deal with the U.S. over oil production, following the seizure of two sanctioned tankers linked to the South American nation.

“In other words, Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States of America as their principal partner – A wise choice, and a very good thing for the people of Venezuela, and the United States,” the president wrote on Truth Social Wednesday evening.

Trump previously claimed that American companies would be sending workers to Venezuela to help rebuild the nation’s oil industry infrastructure, though no concrete plans have been shared, and that its oil would – for now – be sold by the U.S.

White House press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that all proceeds from the sale of the oil would “settle” in U.S. bank accounts to “guarantee the legitimacy” before being disbursed back to Venezuela.

The two Venezuela-linked tankers, a Russian-flagged vessel named the Marinera and the M/T Sophia, both said to be part of an illegal “shadow fleet” carrying oil in breach of international sanctions, were seized Wednesday.

The interceptions come after U.S. forces raided Venezuela on Saturday to seize its now-deposed president, Nicolas Maduro, who is in New York facing drug charges.

Watch: The truth about how many drugs in the US come from Venezuela The truth about how many drugs in the US come from Venezuela

Mike Bedigan8 January 2026 00:25

Oil giant in talks with Trump administration to expand Venezuela operating license

American oil producer Chevron is in discussions with the US government to expand its operating licence in Venezuela, aiming to increase crude exports to its own refineries and potentially sell to other buyers.

These talks unfold as Washington and Caracas advance negotiations to supply up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the United States.

Mike Bedigan8 January 2026 00:10

Recap: Oil blockades, a two week chase and ‘outright piracy’: All we know about blacklisted supertanker seized by US

Early Wednesday, U.S. forces seized a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker being escorted by Russian naval ships in the North Atlantic, days after the dramatic capture of President Nicolas Maduro from his home.

The military and Coast Guard intercepted the Marinera tanker in waters north west of Scotland, after a two-week chase.

The vessel had evaded a U.S. blockade of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela, a measure the administration had implemented shortly before an elite unit seized Maduro in the early hours of Saturday.

Here’s a recap, in case you missed it:

Mike Bedigan7 January 2026 23:52

Trump says Venezuela will only purchase ‘American Made’ products with oil money

Donald Trump has announced the Venezuela will only be purchasing “American made” products with the money made from its deal with the U.S. over oil production.

“I have just been informed that Venezuela is going to be purchasing ONLY American Made Products, with the money they receive from our new Oil Deal,” the president wrote on Truth Social Wednesday evening.

“These purchases will include, among other things, American Agricultural Products, and American Made Medicines, Medical Devices, and Equipment to improve Venezuela’s Electric Grid and Energy Facilities.

“In other words, Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States of America as their principal partner – A wise choice, and a very good thing for the people of Venezuela, and the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Mike Bedigan7 January 2026 23:33

House Dems question next steps on Venezuela following briefing

During a classified briefing on Venezuela Wednesday, House Democrats raised concerns about the Trump administration’s actions and the next steps to support the country.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it was “not clear what comes next,” with regard to the running of Venezuela, despite praising the execution of the military operation.

House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Gregory Meeks agreed, saying he had heard “no plan” for running Venezuela.

Others, including Jason Crow, of Wisconsin, and Seth Moulton, of Massachusetts, claimed that Trump administration officials had not been able to answer basic questions including about timelines and costs.

Mike Bedigan7 January 2026 23:20

ICYMI: Trump says Venezuela will turn over 30-50 million barrels of oil

Writing on his Truth Social platform Wednesday, Donald Trump announced that the interim Venezuelan authorities would be turning over between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the US.

“I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America,” the president wrote.

“This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!

“I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Mike Bedigan7 January 2026 22:50

Florida rep says he has spoken to Venezuelan opposition leader

Republican Rick Scott has backed the Trump administration’s seizure of the Venezuelan-linked sanctioned oil tankers.

“Presidents and presidents and presidents have allowed our own backdoor to be taken over by Russians and Chinese and North Koreans, and there is Hezbollah in Iran,” the Florida rep told reporters Wednesday.

“And finally, we have a president that gives a damn. So he’s going to use the power he’s got.”

Scott also said he had spoken to Venezuelan leader of the opposition Maria Machado Tuesday.

“I think what they’re trying to do is make sure there is a transition that doesn’t end up in, bloodshed,” he said.

“And so I think we’ll get to, a free and fair elections. But in the meantime, Delcy Rodriguez is either going to cooperate or she’s going to end up in prison or something else.”

Rodriguez was sworn in as the country’s interim president Monday.

Mike Bedigan7 January 2026 22:20

Watch: UK will not stand by as ‘malign activity increases’ at sea, Healey vows after Venezuela tanker seizedUK will not stand by as ‘malign activity increases’ at sea, Healey vows after Venezuela tanker seized

Mike Bedigan7 January 2026 22:00

More details on the second seized tanker

US Homeland Security boss Kristi Noem identified the second tanker seized by the US Wednesday as the Motor Tanker Sophia.

A ship named M Sophia is on the U.S. sanctions list for moving illicit cargos of oil from Russia.

The ship is currently “running dark,” not having transmitted location data since July. Tankers involved in smuggling often turn off their transponders or broadcast inaccurate data to hide their true locations.

Samir Madani, the co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, said his organization had used satellite imagery and surface-level photos to document that at least 16 tankers had left the Venezuelan coast since Saturday, after the U.S. captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

The M/T Sophia is one of those ships, Madani said, citing a recent photo showing the tanker located in the waters near Jose Terminal, Venezuela’s main oil export hub.

Mike Bedigan7 January 2026 21:43

Trump’s Energy Department outlines new policies for Venezuelan oil

Donald Trump’s administration is “selectively” removing sanctions to enable the shipping and sale of Venezuelan oil to markets worldwide, according to an outline of the policies published Wednesday by the Energy Department.

The oil sales are slated to begin immediately with the sale of 30 million to 50 million barrels from the South American country, and “will continue indefinitely,” the outline says.

Proceeds will settle in U.S. controlled accounts at “globally recognized banks” and then be disbursed to the U.S. and Venezuelan populations at the “discretion” of the Trump administration, it says.

The Associated Press7 January 2026 21:23