The United States has not announced any new agreements to control Venezuela’s oil reserves, contrary to rumors circulating online.
In late August 2026, former President Donald Trump posted on social media that the U.S. had reached a “historic transaction” that would double its oil reserves by tapping into Venezuela’s proven reserves. He claimed the deal would “substantially lower gas prices for all Americans.” The post, from his personal Twitter account, did not link to any government releases or press briefings.
A review of official statements shows that the U.S. Department of Energy, the Department of State, and the White House have issued no notice of such a transaction. Moreover, the Venezuelan oil company PDVSA released a statement on August 20, 2026, saying it had not entered into any new agreements with the United States and that any claims to the contrary are misinformation.
Former Secretary of State Marco Rubio also made a comment on the same day, calling the alleged deal a “huge win for both the American and Venezuelan people.” This statement was subsequently clarified as a misunderstanding; Rubio did not officially confirm any agreement.
According to industry analysts, combining Venezuela’s 65‑billion‑barrel reserve figure with U.S. ownership would require complex legal processes, export controls, and international agreements that have not been negotiated. The U.S. does not have the legal authority to unilaterally claim ownership of another country’s petroleum resources.
In addition, the U.S. had arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier in 2026, but that event was unrelated to oil transactions and was part of broader diplomatic tensions, not a basis for resource control agreements.
Given the absence of verifiable documents or statements from any of the involved parties, the claim remains unsubstantiated. Citizens are encouraged to check reputable news outlets, government releases, and official statements before sharing or believing such sensational headlines.
