International, Defence and Summits · 30 August 2026

Trump Announces US Control of 65 Billion Barrels of Venezuelan Oil

Exam-focused facts from the 30 August 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • President Donald Trump announced a deal giving the United States majority control of more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves.
  • The agreement involves a partnership with private business and comes at no cost to American taxpayers.
  • Trump stated the deal would more than double US oil reserves and substantially lower gas prices.
  • The announcement follows weeks of negotiations and occurs after the removal of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January.