Story perspectives

Trump Scrutinized as Lawmakers Demand $13B Oil Disclosure

7/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is under scrutiny after his administration seized $13 billion of Venezuelan oil, which the Financial Times says, 25 percent of Venezuela’s GDP, sits in U.S. custodial accounts.
Democratic Rep. Joaquín Castro (D-FL) and Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) demanded disclosure of the $13 billion, citing earthquakes that caused $37 billion in damages and 5,300 deaths.
Economists say that after Maduro’s capture, Venezuelan recovery remains muted and the $13 billion has not been returned.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is under scrutiny after his administration seized $13 billion of Venezuelan oil, which the Financial Times says, 25 percent of Venezuela’s GDP, sits in U.S. custodial accounts.
Democratic Rep. Joaquín Castro (D-FL) and Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) demanded disclosure of the $13 billion, citing earthquakes that caused $37 billion in damages and 5,300 deaths.
Economists say that after Maduro’s capture, Venezuelan recovery remains muted and the $13 billion has not been returned.