US President Donald Trump said the United States will retain control of seized Venezuelan oil, signalling a tough stance toward Caracas. Speaking at a Mar-a-Lago press conference, Trump said the oil would not be returned and could be sold, stored, or added to US strategic reserves, though no final decision has been made.
Trump also confirmed discussions with major US oil companies about Venezuela’s energy sector, but gave no details on future operations. He said the move is meant to maintain leverage and accountability, as part of ongoing US sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry, which Washington uses to pressure the government over alleged mismanagement and corruption.
