Trump showcases Venezuelan oil, floats Venezuela as 51st state
· Energy · United States · Venezuela
President Donald Trump showed off a tanker he said carried "one million barrels of oil" from Venezuela and suggested the country become the 51st US state, calling the deal struck with the post-Maduro government the "greatest oil victory in history". The president made the remarks at a Texas campaign rally, where he acknowledged high gas prices as "short-term pain" and said he knew oil prices would rise when he went to war with Iran. His energy secretary said the administration may let more Russian diesel onto the market.
Why it matters：Trump is turning energy deals into campaign messaging, tying oil flows from Venezuela and Russia to US gasoline prices just before the midterms.
Key points
- Trump showed a tanker he said held one million barrels of Venezuelan oil.
- He floated Venezuela becoming the 51st US state.
- His energy secretary said more Russian diesel may be allowed onto the market.
Sources (original reporting)
More stories from this day
- Flavio Bolsonaro leaves Brazil; US grants visas to family
- Fed expected to hold rates, signaling path after September hike
- Honda warns 50% Canada tariffs would be catastrophic
- Boeing says no big 737 Max ramp-up until late 2027
- RFK Jr faces rebuke over anti-Arab remarks
- Polymarket faces renewed CFTC probe over US access