January 7, 2026
US secures $2bn oil deal with Venezuela after Maduro’s arrest
Trump to redirect crude supplies from China as Washington tightens control of Venezuela’s energy sector Venezuelan oil. Photo: AFP (file) Caracas and Washington have reached a deal to export up to $2 billion worth of crude oil to the United States, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, a landmark deal that would divert supplies from China while helping Venezuela avoid deeper cuts in oil production. The deal is a strong sign that Venezuela’s government is responding to Trump’s demand that they open up to US oil companies or risk more military intervention. Trump has said he wants interim President












