In a significant development for international trade and diplomacy, former US President Donald Trump has announced a major economic pact with Venezuela. The deal mandates that the South American nation will use proceeds from a new oil agreement to purchase exclusively American-made goods.
Trump's Declaration on Exclusive US Trade
Donald Trump made the announcement via his social media platform, Truth Social. He stated he had been informed that Venezuela will now purchase ONLY American Made Products with the revenue generated from a freshly inked oil deal between the two nations.
"I have just been informed that Venezuela is going to be purchasing ONLY American Made Products, with the money they receive from our new Oil Deal," Trump wrote in his post.
He elaborated that this commitment would cover a wide range of sectors. The purchases are set to include agricultural goods, medicines, and medical devices. Furthermore, funds will be allocated for equipment to modernise Venezuela's ageing electric grid and upgrade its energy facilities.
Trump framed the agreement as a strategic win, adding, "In other words, Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States of America as their principal partner – A wise choice, and a very good thing for the people of Venezuela, and the United States."
Context: The Capture of Maduro and Interim Leadership
This economic announcement follows a dramatic political and military operation in Caracas. Just days prior, a US strike led to the capture of Venezuela's former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The operation was a joint effort involving US intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Following their capture, both Maduro and Flores were flown out of Venezuela. They now face trial in the Southern District of New York on serious charges, including drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies.
In the wake of Maduro's removal, Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as Vice President under his administration, has stepped into the role of acting president of Venezuela.
US Leverage and Details of the Oil Transfer
The United States has openly acknowledged its considerable influence over the current interim authorities in Venezuela. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt addressed this during a press briefing.
"The Trump Administration is in close correspondence with the interim authorities in Venezuela. We obviously have maximum leverage over the interim authorities in Venezuela right now... Their decisions are going to continue to be dictated by the United States," Leavitt stated unequivocally.
This leverage is directly tied to the new economic arrangement. Trump had previously revealed that part of the deal involves Venezuela's interim government transferring a massive 30 to 50 million barrels of previously sanctioned oil to the United States.
While the oil will be sold at the prevailing market price, Trump emphasised a personal oversight role. He stated he would personally monitor the funds to ensure they are used in a manner that benefits both the Venezuelan and American people.
This series of events marks a profound shift in US-Venezuela relations, moving from years of sanctions and hostility to a new phase of economic engagement under terms heavily influenced by Washington.
