The Trump administration has completed its first large-scale Venezuelan oil sale, routing the proceeds into U.S.-controlled accounts abroad as part of a broader sanctions and energy strategy.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The United States has completed its first sale of Venezuelan crude oil under a new arrangement, generating approximately $500 million in revenue that will be held in accounts controlled by the U.S. government, according to multiple media reports citing unnamed officials.
Semafor reported that the proceeds from the sale are being deposited into U.S.-controlled bank accounts, with the primary account located in Qatar. An industry source familiar with the plan told the outlet that Qatar was selected as a “neutral venue” where funds can be transferred with U.S. approval and without exposure to seizure or legal attachment.
According to the same source, the arrangement aligns with an Executive Order signed last week by President Donald Trump. The order protects Venezuelan oil revenues held in U.S. Treasury-controlled accounts from judicial attachment, with the stated purpose of “ensuring these funds are preserved to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives.”
Semafor further reported that the Venezuelan socialist government, currently led by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, has “fully cooperated” with U.S. authorities in executing the transaction. The source added that Washington maintains “leverage” over Caracas through the combined use of sanctions policy and oil sales approvals.
“The United States Treasury is fully committed to supporting President Trump’s efforts on behalf of the people of Venezuela,” a Treasury Department spokesperson told Semafor.
A second unnamed official confirmed to the outlet that the primary account holding the oil-sale revenue is also located in Qatar, again describing it as a neutral jurisdiction where “money can flow freely with U.S. approval and without risk of seizure.”
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers characterized the transaction as part of a broader diplomatic and economic initiative. “President Trump brokered a historic energy deal with Venezuela, immediately following the arrest of narcoterrorist Nicolás Maduro, that will benefit the American and Venezuelan people,” Rogers said in a statement provided to Semafor, adding that the administration is continuing “positive, ongoing discussions” with oil companies regarding Venezuelan energy production.
CBS News reported that Rogers shared a similar statement with the network. Fox News also published her remarks, including a longer statement emphasizing future investment plans.
“President Trump’s team is facilitating positive, ongoing discussions with oil companies that are ready and willing to make unprecedented investments to restore Venezuela’s oil infrastructure,” Rogers said. “President Trump is protecting our Western Hemisphere from being taken advantage of by narcoterrorists, drug traffickers, and foreign adversaries.”
Reuters reported that additional Venezuelan oil sales to the United States are expected “in the coming days and weeks,” citing a U.S. official.
The initial transaction follows a recent announcement by the Venezuelan government that it intends to sell up to $2 billion in crude oil to the United States. Reuters previously reported that the broader deal would redirect Venezuelan oil away from China while helping the country avoid deeper production cuts amid ongoing economic strain.
The completed sale marks the first tangible outcome of the Trump administration’s revised approach to Venezuelan energy exports, combining sanctions leverage with controlled access to U.S. markets while maintaining federal oversight of the resulting revenues.
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