Trump Declares National Emergency To Protect Venezuelan Oil Assets

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday declared a national emergency aimed at safeguarding Venezuelan oil revenues held in American Treasury accounts, part of a broader push to secure access to the South American nation’s vast petroleum resources amid intense geopolitical developments. 

In an executive order, Trump invoked emergency powers to shield oil funds from seizure by courts or creditors, a move the White House said was necessary to support U.S. foreign policy and promote political and economic stability in Venezuela following the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power. 

The order blocks any judicial action against these funds, defined as sovereign oil revenue, and places them under special protection. The administration framed the decision as critical to preventing legal claims that could undermine U.S. strategic goals in the Western Hemisphere. 

The announcement came on the same day Trump met with senior executives from major American oil companies, urging them to consider investments in revitalising Venezuela’s oil sector. Some industry leaders welcomed the opportunity, while others, including the chief executive of ExxonMobil, expressed scepticism, warning that Venezuela remains difficult to invest in without sweeping reforms. 

Trump’s approach signals a deeper U.S. involvement in directing which companies may operate in Venezuela’s energy industry and how its crude exports are managed, reflecting Washington’s ambition to influence global oil markets and domestic fuel prices. 

Critics argue the decree could complicate international relations and raise legal questions, especially amid ongoing tensions over Venezuela’s sovereignty and oil governance.