US President Donald Trump announced that the United States has received more than 80 million barrels of oil from Venezuela. He made the statement on Tuesday during his first State of the Union address of his second term, held at the White House. Trump said the oil came after the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, describing Venezuela as a new friend and partner.
Trump also stated that US oil production has increased by more than 600,000 barrels per day. Earlier in January, he had ordered the arrest of Maduro on charges related to drug trafficking and other crimes. Following that action, the US administration eased oil sanctions on Venezuela to boost production.
The announcement highlights a shift in US-Venezuela relations following Maduro’s removal and indicates Washington’s focus on expanding domestic and imported energy supplies.