# US involvement and resource control in Venezuela > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-involvement-and-resource-control-in-venezuela > Updated: 2026-10-13T12:56:08.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3. Following a U.S. military invasion in January 2026 that resulted in the arrest of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, the United States has moved to expand its influence in the region. The January operation in Caracas, described by President Donald Trump as one of the ‘largest military attacks in history,’ resulted in over one hundred deaths. By October 2026, the focus shifted toward resource acquisition. An August 2026 agreement reportedly granted Washington majority control over more than 65 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves through partnerships with the private sector and coordination with interim President Delcy Rodríguez. This deal is reported to cover 17 oil fields and involves significant private investment in Venezuela’s energy sector. During an event in Ohio on October 13, 2026, President Trump characterized the economic benefits as a direct result of military action, describing the relationship with the new Venezuelan authorities as a ‘great relationship.’ He reiterated that ‘the spoils belong to the victor,’ noting that the U.S. is obtaining billions of dollars from these arrangements. Trump further highlighted the scale of oil exports, remarking, ‘Do you remember the expression “drill, baby, drill”? I didn’t expect to say it in Venezuela, but that is what we are doing.’ By October 18, 2026, President Trump claimed the United States has gained ‘hundreds of billions of dollars’ through these economic relations. However, independent financial data has not yet confirmed that such specific amounts have been transferred to the U.S. Treasury, leaving it unclear if the figures refer to actual revenue, total reserve value, or projected earnings. ## Claims - Delcy Rodríguez is serving as the interim president of Venezuela following the capture of Maduro. (disputed by 2 sources) - The United States conducted a military operation in early January that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores. (disputed) - Spain received 2.3 million tons of Venezuelan crude oil during the first eight months of the year. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Repsol has an agreement with the United States to produce and export crude oil from Venezuela. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Donald Trump claimed that the United States is obtaining billions of dollars from Venezuelan oil resources following the removal of Nicolás Maduro. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Trump described the relationship with the new Venezuelan authorities as a 'great relationship'. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-13: Trump signals new US-Venezuela energy ties following Maduro's capture Donald Trump has signaled a new era of US-Venezuela relations following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, leading to increased Venezuelan oil exports to the US and Spain via agreements involving Repsol. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-claims-us-is-receiving-massive-venezuelan-oil-supplies ### 2026-10-10: Donald Trump claims control over Venezuelan oil reserves President Donald Trump claimed U.S. control over Venezuelan oil reserves, stating ‘the winner gets the spoils’ following a 2026 military intervention and subsequent oil agreement. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-claims-control-over-venezuelan-oil-reserves ### 2026-10-01: Trump considers military bases in Venezuela amid regional influence push President Trump is considering U.S. military bases in Venezuela to secure oil and expand influence, while facing accusations of interfering in Brazil’s upcoming presidential election. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trump-considers-military-bases-in-venezuela-amid-regional-influence-push --- Cite as: US involvement and resource control in Venezuela. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-involvement-and-resource-control-in-venezuela