The United States will retain control of recently seized Venezuelan oil, President Donald Trump announced on Monday, signalling a hardline approach towards Caracas amid ongoing sanctions and diplomatic tensions.
At a Mar-a-Lago news conference, Trump confirmed that the US will not return the confiscated Venezuelan crude.
He said the administration had not yet decided whether to sell or use the oil domestically but emphasised that Washington would keep control.
“Maybe we’ll sell it, maybe we’ll keep it, maybe we’ll use it in the strategic reserves. We’re keeping it,” Trump stated, underscoring the administration’s authority over the shipment.
Trump also revealed he has been in discussions with major US oil companies regarding Venezuela and potential developments in the country’s energy sector.
He refrained from providing specifics on whether American firms might resume or expand operations linked to Venezuelan oil.
US Strategy & Sanctions
The retention of the crude comes amid ongoing sanctions targeting Venezuela’s oil sector, a key tool Washington uses to exert economic pressure on the government in Caracas.
US authorities have previously seized shipments and penalised intermediaries accused of violating sanctions or attempting to bypass restrictions.
Trump defended the US strategy, stating that economic measures and strict enforcement are essential to counter mismanagement and corruption in Venezuela, while safeguarding US national interests. The move is widely seen as an effort to restore leverage and accountability in dealings with the Venezuelan government.
Analysts suggest that the decision could have broader implications for global oil markets and US-Venezuela relations, particularly as Washington balances domestic energy needs with diplomatic objectives.
