The United States, following a January 3 military intervention that deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, has controlled Venezuela’s oil exports, with almost one hundred million barrels worth an estimated $8 billion flowing through an opaque process in the first four months. The Trump administration has not publicly disclosed how much oil it sold, revenue collected, or fund usage, despite conflicting statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright regarding $500 million disbursed via a Qatar account.
No public accounting of these funds or the system for selling oil and collecting revenue, including agreements with traders like Trafigura and Vitol, has been provided. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez retains control over Chavista factions, receiving diplomatic recognition and sanctions relief, but has not accessed $5 billion in IMF Special Drawing Rights. Congress has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and absence of a democratic transition plan, with Democratic lawmakers requesting a GAO audit. Washington risks propping up an authoritarian regime without a clear plan for democratic transition.
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