In a statement signaling a potential shift in U.S. energy policies toward Venezuela, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump declared that his administration might stop purchasing Venezuelan oil.
«We don’t need their oil,» Trump said during a press conference, hinting at a strategy of maximum economic pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
JUST NOW: Trump says US should “probably stop buying oil from Venezuela.”
Very good news if true — would cripple the Maduro regime if Chevron’s license to deal in Venezuela was revoked. pic.twitter.com/CbeQKt22mc
— Kareem Rifai 🌐 (@KareemRifai) January 21, 2025
During his first formal press conference following his re-election, Trump not only emphasized U.S. energy independence but also expressed his intent to impose economic sanctions if Venezuela fails to cooperate in deporting its citizens.
«Venezuela and other countries didn’t treat us very well during my administration,» Trump stated, underscoring the need for a firmer policy.
President Trump “we are probably going to stop buying oil from Venezuela.. that will change Venezuela quite a bit..”
— José Díaz-Balart (@jdbalart) January 21, 2025
This announcement comes amid pressure from U.S. oil industry leaders urging Trump to reconsider, given that Venezuela supplies a significant amount of crude oil to the United States.
However, the appointment of figures like Mike Waltz and Marco Rubio, known for their strong opposition to Maduro’s regime, suggests the new administration will take a hardline stance on the issue.
🚨 El senador estadounidense Rick Scott aseguró que una vez Donald Trump asuma como presidente de Estados Unidos “no hará negocios con Nicolás Maduro por petróleo”. El tirano tiene el tiempo contadopic.twitter.com/FpYkyzxHJT
— Reacción Nacional (@RNacional_News) January 9, 2025
From the Venezuelan side, chavista leaders reacted harshly. Venezuela’s foreign minister, Yvan Gil, used the X platform to claim that «Trump admits his intention was to seize Venezuelan oil,» reinforcing the narrative that U.S. actions aim to control Venezuela’s natural resources.
The impact of this policy could be significant, not only for Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy but also for the global oil market. Countries like Saudi Arabia or alternative producers like Canada could benefit from a supply gap, although Venezuela’s ability to redirect its oil to other markets should not be underestimated.
Several media outlets have reported that under Joe Biden’s administration, certain sanctions were eased to allow companies like Chevron to purchase Venezuelan oil. This policy reversal under Trump could roll back those measures, affecting not only Venezuela but also U.S. companies operating there.
With Trump’s return to the White House, no less was expected; the US pressure on these kinds of socialist regime politicians was quite necessary.
About The Author
Maria Herrera Mellado
María Herrera Mellado es una abogada y analista política muy respetada. Licenciada en Derecho en EE.UU. y España, también tiene un doctorado en Ciencias Jurídicas y varios títulos de la Universidad de Granada (España), de la Universidad de Arizona y de la Florida International University. Con amplia experiencia en derecho internacional, asesoría en inversiones, representación en inmigración, y protección de la privacidad y lucha anticorrupción, ha asesorado a organizaciones y políticos europeos, estadounidenses e hispanoamericanos. Ha escrito sobre seguridad nacional e inmigración, protección de datos, derecho constitucional, consumo financiero y derecho bancario en revistas internacionales y coescribió libros publicados en Perú y Colombia. Es reconocida por su servicio comunitario en EE.UU. y es considerada una de las mujeres más influyentes de Florida. Es experta en varios idiomas y participa frecuentemente en debates en canales como Univisión, Fox, France 24, Telemundo y es la Editora Jefe de Gateway Hispanic.
María Herrera Mellado is a highly respected lawyer and political analyst. She holds law degrees from both the United States and Spain, as well as a Ph.D. in Legal Sciences and several diplomas from the University of Granada (Spain), the University of Arizona, and Florida International University. With extensive experience in international law, investment advisory, immigration representation, privacy protection, and anti-corruption efforts, she has advised organizations and politicians across Europe, the United States, and Hispanic America. She has written about national security and immigration, data protection, constitutional law, financial consumer protection, and banking law in international journals and co-authored books published in Peru and Colombia. Recognized for her community service in the United States, she is considered one of the most influential women in Florida. A polyglot, she frequently participates in debates on channels such as Univisión, Fox, France 24, Telemundo, and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Gateway Hispanic.
