US Sold Over $130 Billion of Venezuelan Oil After Maduro's Capture
US President Donald Trump said in July 2026 that the United States had sold over $130 billion of Venezuelan oil since capturing former President Nicolas Maduro in January 2026. The proceeds were used to operate Venezuela and cover war costs, with the US retaining the government and cooperating with acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported sales of 150 million barrels, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed audits by KPMG and funds held at Citibank. Democrats continued to demand full disclosure.
US President Donald Trump stated in July 2026 that the United States had sold more than $130 billion of Venezuelan oil since the arrest of Maduro. Trump said the funds were used to operate Venezuela and mentioned that the United States had already paid for the war costs multiple times.
On January 3, 2026, the United States captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro through a military raid and subsequently took control of Venezuela's oil exports. After overthrowing Maduro, the United States largely retained the Venezuelan government and worked closely with acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in an interview in April 2026 that the United States had sold about 150 million barrels of Venezuelan oil since January. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before Congress in June 2026 that the oil sales were audited by KPMG and the funds were held in a Citibank account. Rubio stated that the audit was ongoing, with every expenditure being audited.
Democratic lawmakers in the US Congress continued to demand that the executive branch disclose the amount of oil sales proceeds, the use of those funds, and the oversight mechanisms.
Why this event matters
The event has a measured impact on 4 industrys. The strongest current signal is negative for Oil & Gas Exploration, with intensity 70/100 and 80% confidence over a medium term horizon.
Oil & Gas Exploration
- Direction
- negative
- Intensity
- 70
- Confidence
- 80%
- Horizon
- Medium term
Refining & Petrochemicals
- Direction
- positive
- Intensity
- 55
- Confidence
- 70%
- Horizon
- Medium term
Oilfield Equipment & Services
- Direction
- negative
- Intensity
- 45
- Confidence
- 60%
- Horizon
- Medium term
Fuel & Gas Distribution
- Direction
- mixed
- Intensity
- 40
- Confidence
- 65%
- Horizon
- Short term
Impact figures are analytical estimates that combine direction, intensity, confidence and event importance. They are not investment advice.