President Trump met with oil executives at the White House on Friday afternoon, hours after the administration announced it had seized a fifth oil tanker as part of a sanctioned oil blockade.
Around the time the meeting began, Trump’s account shared the following message on Truth Social:
“Today, the United States of America, in coordination with the Interim Authorities of Venezuela, seized an oil tanker that departed Venezuela without our approval. This tanker is now on its way back to Venezuela, and the oil will be sold through the GREAT Energy Deal, which we have created for such sales,” the post said.
Earlier Friday morning, the president had also announced on Truth Social that he would be meeting with oil executives later in the day.
“At least $100 billion will be invested by Big Oil,” the post said, adding that the United States and Venezuela are working together to rebuild oil and gas infrastructure.
Trump cancels second wave of attacks in Venezuela
In the same message, the president said he canceled an expected second wave of attacks in Venezuela after the South American country confirmed the release of a large number of political prisoners.
Trump said Venezuela was releasing political prisoners as a sign of “seeking peace,” calling it “a very important and smart gesture.”
“Because of this cooperation, I have canceled the previously expected second wave of attacks, which looks like it will not be needed. However, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes,” the post said.
Despite the decision, Trump clarified that U.S. ships would remain in position.
Exclusive interview with NBC News
This week, in an exclusive interview with NBC News, Trump discussed the path forward in Venezuela, including the timing of potential elections, opportunities for oil companies and Congress’ role.
“We have to fix the country first. You can’t have an election. There’s no way the people could even vote,” Trump said when asked about the possibility of a vote in the next month. “No, it’s going to take a period of time. We have — we have to nurse the country back to health.”
Trump also said the U.S. may subsidize an effort by oil companies to rebuild Venezuela’s energy infrastructure — a project he said could take less than 18 months.
“I think we can do it in less time than that, but it’ll be a lot of money,” he said. “A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent, and the oil companies will spend it, and then they’ll get reimbursed by us or through revenue.”
He also insisted the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela.
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