Trump Personally Oversees Release Of $500M Venezuela Oil Proceeds

An administration official told Semafor that President Donald Trump is personally overseeing the release of funds tied to Venezuela’s recent oil sale, underscoring the leverage the U.S. administration is exercising in dealings with Caracas.

Semafor first reported that the administration completed an initial oil sale valued at $500 million. A sizable portion of the proceeds is being held in Qatar, and Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez said approximately $300 million from that sale was released to Venezuela this week.

The administration official said all proceeds from the first sale will be transferred to Venezuelan authorities because the current government has "fully cooperated" with U.S. requirements. It remains unclear whether any portion of the funds will be retained in U.S. banks; the official added that proceeds "will first settle in U.S.-controlled accounts at globally recognized banks."

"All proceeds from the first sale will be given to Venezuela because its current government has ‘fully cooperated,’" an administration official told Semafor.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said senior advisers are actively engaged with energy companies about new investments in Venezuela. "They are constantly engaged in positive discussions with oil companies that are ready and willing to make unprecedented investments in Venezuela," she said.

What This Could Mean

• U.S. oversight of proceeds could give Washington leverage over how funds are used in Venezuela.
• Holding proceeds temporarily in U.S.-controlled accounts or third-country banks is likely intended to ensure compliance with U.S. conditions.
• Active outreach to oil companies signals potential future investment and involvement in Venezuela’s energy sector.

As details continue to emerge, observers will watch whether additional proceeds are released, where funds are ultimately held, and how any new investment talks progress.