President Donald Trump stated the United States would seize Venezuela's oil resources, asserting the oil should serve as reimbursement for previous U.S. expenditures. Trump made the statement on January 4, 2026, indicating a future U.S. intervention in Venezuela's oil industry.

Trump further claimed the U.S. would govern Venezuela after apprehending President Nicolas Maduro and transporting him to New York. The specifics of how the U.S. intends to execute this plan, including the legal justification for seizing Venezuelan assets and removing its president, remain unclear.

Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 300 billion barrels. The country's oil industry, largely controlled by the state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), has suffered from years of mismanagement, underinvestment, and U.S. sanctions. These sanctions, imposed in response to Maduro's authoritarian rule and human rights abuses, have significantly curtailed Venezuela's oil production and exports.

Industry analysts suggest that a U.S. takeover of Venezuela's oil industry could have significant ramifications for global energy markets. A sudden influx of Venezuelan oil into the market could depress prices, impacting oil-producing nations and companies worldwide. Conversely, the U.S. control could lead to a more stable and efficient production process, potentially increasing long-term supply.

The potential seizure raises questions about international law and the sovereignty of nations. Legal experts note that such an action would likely be viewed as a violation of international norms unless sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council, which is unlikely given Russia's and China's close ties to Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government has not yet officially responded to Trump's statement. However, previous statements from Venezuelan officials have condemned U.S. sanctions as illegal and a form of economic warfare. The international community is closely watching the situation, with many nations urging dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political and economic crisis in Venezuela. The immediate next steps remain uncertain, pending further announcements from the U.S. government and the reaction from Venezuela and other international actors.