US EditionVenezuela’s Ultra-Heavy and Super-Sour Orinoco Sludge Will Be Manna From Heaven for US Refineries for Decades to Come
The Trump administration plans to seize and sell 30–50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to stabilize the country, control proceeds, and open markets to Western companies, amid Congressional calls for hearings.
- On Wednesday, the White House briefed all senators and House members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, outlining a three-step plan beginning with seizing and selling 30-50 million barrels and controlling proceeds.
- As shale production declines, the administration stressed the plan aims to "stabilize" Venezuela by seizing revenue to manage the country and secure heavy crude for U.S. refineries.
- Democratic lawmakers ridiculed the briefing and demanded Congress hold public hearings after Wednesday's session, while Sen. Chris Murphy warned the plan amounted to `stealing Venezuelan oil at gunpoint` and public opposition remains strong with nearly two-thirds opposing military operations last month.
- A War Powers resolution will be voted on Thursday, requiring four Republicans to break ranks, as lawmakers demand answers on U.S. troop numbers, spending, and operation duration while Sen. Tim Kaine notes over 200 enemies killed and injuries to U.S. troops.
- About 70% of U.S. refining capacity handles heavier crude, with Valero, Chevron, and LyondellBasell investing billions to process Orinoco Belt heavy crude, while modernising Venezuela's industry could cost $100bn-plus over a decade.
12 Articles
12 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)Democrats ridicule Trump’s ‘insane’ plan to ‘steal’ Venezuela’s oil ‘at gunpoint’
Rubio and Hegseth reject criticism that they have ‘no plan’ for Venezuela’s future, even as they can’t say when elections will be held or whether vice president can remain
Venezuela’s ultra-heavy and super-sour Orinoco sludge will be manna from heaven for US refineries for decades to come
Donald Trump’s grab of Venezuela’s oil is not just about making money. He is also grabbing an ultra heavy grade of highly sulphurous oil that is very difficult to refine. That sounds bad and normally it would be.
Trump draws to Venezuela's oil and beats the world's geopolitical table. Here, a young owner entered into non-compliance with the household's services. And the Oeno's readings are manifest.
Trump: Venezuelan oil money ‘will be controlled by me’; China not happy
by WorldTribune Staff / 247 Real News January 7, 2026 In his 2025 National Security Strategy, President Donald Trump made clear that he would not allow non-hemispheric nations to treat the Western Hemisphere as a resource hub. Now that he is making good on that strategy by controlling Venezuelan oil, the non-Western Hemisphere communists who […]
Gutfeld: Venezuelan Attack Good For America Because 'It Was Our Oil'
Fox continues to play cheerleader for Trump's illegal attack on Venezuela and the potential theft of their oil reserves. Here's one of The Five cohosts, Greg Gutfeld, this Tuesday, parroting Trump and justifying snatching up Maduro and claiming that it "it's our oil." GUTFELD: But he is like, you can't put him in a box and that forces you to look at every independent action, you know, outside of some high minded principle. It's like, is this th…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
