Delcy Rodríguez defends Venezuelan oil deal with Trump SUMMARY: Delcy Rodríguez defended a controversial oil deal with Donald Trump, stating Venezuela retains ownership and sovereignty over its oil reserves. The agreement would give the United States control over 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil, sparking widespread criticism in Venezuela.

A controversial energy agreement between the United States and Venezuela, which would place control of 65 billion barrels of oil in U.S. hands, has sparked widespread outrage in Caracas. The deal, described by President Donald Trump as “the biggest oil deal in world history,” has drawn criticism from Venezuelan officials and the public alike.

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed power in January following Trump’s alleged involvement in the abduction of Nicolás Maduro, defended the agreement on state television. Rodríguez insisted that the country would retain ownership and sovereignty over its oil reserves, arguing that the arrangement would not compromise national control. She used the Saturday broadcast to counter accusations that the deal undermines Venezuela’s independence and to emphasize the potential benefits for the nation’s economy.

Despite Rodríguez’s assurances, the announcement has intensified domestic protests and diplomatic tensions. The Venezuelan government remains under scrutiny as it navigates the implications of the deal while maintaining its claim to full sovereignty over its natural resources.