President Donald Trump said the United States has generated more than $13 billion in revenue from Venezuelan oil exports since Nicolás Maduro was removed from power earlier this year.
According to calculations by the Financial Times based on shipment data from Kpler and pricing information from Argus Media, Venezuelan oil sales under the new system have exceeded $13 billion.
The Trump administration took control of Venezuela’s oil exports after U.S. forces captured Maduro in January 2026. The administration installed interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, eased certain sanctions, and placed oil revenues under U.S. supervision to prevent corruption and diversion of funds.
Initially, proceeds were routed through accounts in Qatar to protect them from creditors before being transferred primarily into U.S. Treasury-managed accounts under an executive order.
Oil production has increased significantly since the change in government, rising from about 820,000 barrels per day in January to roughly 1.23 million barrels per day by June. Earlier estimates indicate approximately 150 million barrels have been sold under the new system.
The Financial Times estimated that priced barrels alone were worth nearly $11.5 billion, with total sales exceeding $13 billion.
Trump said the revenue has covered the cost of the military operation “many times over.”
“We’re making a lot of money, too,” Trump said, adding that the funds are helping operate Venezuela’s government and could also be available for U.S. military purposes with congressional approval.
According to senior State Department officials, about $3 billion had been authorized by April for government salaries, repairs to oil infrastructure, and other priorities.
Venezuelan authorities also reported a publicly tracked transfer of $300 million in March.
The administration hired KPMG to audit the accounts, which officials say is intended to ensure transparency and prevent the type of corruption that characterized the Maduro government and state-owned oil company PDVSA.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright has said the revenues are being managed for the benefit of both the American and Venezuelan people.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and some media organizations, have questioned the limited public disclosure of detailed financial records and have called for greater transparency.
Administration officials respond that multiple oversight mechanisms are in place, including independent audits, and argue that the current system represents a significant improvement over the management of Venezuela’s oil revenues under Maduro.
Supporters of the policy say the increase in oil production and the revenue generated demonstrate the effectiveness of the administration’s approach, describing it as an example of Trump’s “America First” energy strategy while arguing it has provided both financial returns for the United States and a framework for Venezuela’s economic recovery.
Beyond the economic and energy implications, many Venezuelans argue that the country’s future cannot be measured solely in barrels of oil or investment opportunities. Venezuelans in the United States and across the world continue to demand free and fair elections and a genuine democratic transition—a call that is increasingly being echoed by members of the U.S. Congress. For many in the Venezuelan diaspora, the ultimate goal is not simply reviving the economy, but reclaiming their country, restoring democratic institutions, and allowing millions of citizens to return to a free and prosperous Venezuela.
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