The Trump administration’s dealings with Venezuela have taken a surprising turn. President Donald Trump revealed on Truth Social that Venezuela is set to supply the United States with 30 to 50 million barrels of oil, despite existing sanctions.

According to RedState, interim President Delcy Rodriguez and the former regime members of Nicolás Maduro’s government are as reliable as a mirage in the desert. My colleague, Streiff, pointed out that there have been reports of oil tankers departing from Venezuela, sparking doubts that Rodriguez is reverting to the corrupt practices of the past, even with Maduro out of the picture.

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Trump’s announcement sheds light on the situation, suggesting the oil shipments may be part of the 30 to 50 million barrels the U.S. intends to reclaim. His commitment to using the proceeds from this oil to aid the Venezuelan populace is undoubtedly a positive development for them.

WATCH NOW:

As RedState reported, interim president Delcy Rodriguez and the rogues’ gallery of deposed dictator Nicolás Maduro’s cabinet are about as trustworthy as rattlesnakes in the hot sun. My colleague streiff noted that there have been sightings of sanctioned oil tankers moving out from Venezuela. This raised suspicions that, despite Maduro’s arrest, as far as Rodriguez is concerned, it was back to corrupt business as usual. 

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The Trump announcement gives new insight. Quite possibly, that tanker of sanctioned oil is part of that 30 to 50 million barrels being reclaimed by the United States. Trump’s promise to ensure the purchase price of the oil will go toward restoring the Venezuelan people is welcome news to them.

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“If Trump needs that oil to give us freedom, then that’s the price we’re willing to pay.”

A Venezuelan exile explains to me in Florida that everyone is in Venezuela for the oil — China, Russia — but if it’s about restoring freedom, she prefers Trump over everyone else. pic.twitter.com/wR8cxot4ex

— Alexandra Lavoie (@ThevoiceAlexa) January 5, 2026

This also gives a window into how the Trump administration will keep a tight rein on Maduro’s hench crew, while freezing out China and Russia.

This is brilliant: Trump is controlling Venezuela’s new government by controlling its oil exports, its lifeline. And by the way, he’s been cutting off shipments to China and Russia. Foreign policy doesn’t get smarter than this.

— Gordon G. Chang (@GordonGChang) January 6, 2026

It seems the “Donroe” doctrine is reaping dividends sooner than anyone expected.  

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