Story perspectives

Trump Secures 35% Stake in Venezuela’s 65B-Barrel Oil

9/2/2026

Left

Trump Secures Oil

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on September 1 2026 a deal giving the U.S. a stake in 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil through North American Blue Energy Partners.
Critics argue the agreement violates Venezuela’s constitution, which bars oil reserve sales, and exceeds President Delcy Rodríguez’s authority.
The Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital will receive a 35 percent equity stake (as reported by NPR).
It also secures the right to purchase a portion of the oil output at cost.

Right

Trump Secures Oil

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on September 1 2026 a deal giving the United States a stake in 65 billion barrels of oil via North American Blue Energy Partners.
U.S. officials said the deal hinges on Alejandro Betancourt, a controversial but proven oil operator whose personal involvement was essential.
The United States obtained a 35 percent equity stake in NABEP’s parent company (as reported by Politico) and a veto over board appointments.

Center

Trump Secures Oil

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on September 1 2026 giving the United States a stake in 65 billion barrels of oil via North American Blue Energy Partners.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the agreement will bring $100 billion investment and $209 billion tax revenue to Venezuela.
The United States secures a substantial output share and a purchase right at cost.
Experts say Venezuela’s dilapidated infrastructure will delay production, limiting near-term impact on U.S. gasoline prices.

Blindspot

Legal scholars argue that interim President Delcy Rodríguez lacks constitutional authority to commit Venezuela to the oil deal, and critics say the agreement breaches Venezuela’s constitution, which declares oil reserves inalienable.
Within this story's sources, this constitutional-breach angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center- and Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

After Hugo Chávez’s 2007 constitutional amendment declared Venezuela’s oil reserves inalienable—passing with a large parliamentary majority—the country claimed roughly 300 billion barrels of proven oil. The 2026 Trump-Rodríguez deal, giving the United States a 35 percent stake in 65 billion barrels, directly tests that ban, setting up a legal clash that could reshape Venezuela’s oil policy and regional energy balance.

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Trump Secures Oil

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on September 1 2026 a deal giving the U.S. a stake in 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil through North American Blue Energy Partners.
Critics argue the agreement violates Venezuela’s constitution, which bars oil reserve sales, and exceeds President Delcy Rodríguez’s authority.
The Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital will receive a 35 percent equity stake (as reported by NPR).
It also secures the right to purchase a portion of the oil output at cost.

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