Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States is prepared to sell China and Russia “whatever oil they need,” as his administration moves to assert control over Venezuelan oil production and exports, signaling a major shift in global energy dynamics.
Speaking to reporters, Trump framed the offer as part of a broader strategy to position the United States as a dominant energy supplier while limiting the influence of rival powers in the Western Hemisphere. He said China could purchase oil directly from the United States or through other arrangements, adding that Russia would also be able to secure its energy needs from American sources.
Trump also outlined plans for a large-scale revival of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, saying US energy companies are expected to invest at least $100 billion of their own capital to rehabilitate production facilities and boost output. He emphasized that no federal funding would be required, but stressed that government-backed security guarantees would be essential to allow companies to operate safely in the country.
Industry sources have long cited political instability and security risks as the primary obstacles to reentering the Venezuelan oil market, which has suffered years of decline due to sanctions, mismanagement, and underinvestment.
According to Trump, Venezuela has agreed to allow the United States to immediately begin refining and selling up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil, with the arrangement set to continue indefinitely. The move would effectively place significant portions of Venezuela’s oil sector under US commercial and logistical control.
Earlier this week, Trump defended the arrest of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and Washington’s takeover of oil production, arguing that geopolitical rivals would have acted first if the United States had not intervened. He said China and Russia were poised to expand their influence in Venezuela’s energy sector and that US action was necessary to prevent that outcome.
The comments mark a sharp contrast with Trump’s earlier criticism of European allies for continuing energy trade with Russia during the war in Ukraine. Last year, he claimed the conflict would end if NATO countries stopped buying Russian oil, a position that now appears at odds with his latest willingness to supply Moscow directly.
Trump described Venezuela and its interim leadership, including Delcy Rodríguez, as current allies, while making clear that his administration does not want China or Russia maintaining a foothold in the region. He said relations with Venezuelan officials are presently positive and suggested further engagement is imminent.
The president also indicated he is open to meeting Venezuelan representatives in the near future, though no date has been set. He added that opposition leader María Corina Machado, who dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump after winning it last year, is expected to visit the United States in the coming days.
Trump’s remarks underscore his administration’s highly transactional approach to foreign policy, blending energy dominance, strategic rivalry, and diplomatic outreach as Washington seeks to reshape its influence across Latin America and the global oil market.
