Trump Seals Deal for US Control Over Venezuela's 65 Billion Barrels
US President Donald Trump announced on social media that his administration has reached an agreement with Venezuela to develop 17 oil fields with a potential of 65 billion barrels.
The deal, negotiated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, would allow the US to partner with a private operator to create a new company to manage the reserves.
Rodríguez's government said the agreement could attract $100 billion in investment and yield over $209 billion in taxes for Venezuela.
The deal gives the US 55% effective output of the new company, including an ownership stake and rights to buy oil at cost.