By The Republic Standard News Staff
Category: Economy
Tags: Economy, Energy, Donald Trump, Venezuela
President Donald Trump promoted a U.S. oil agreement with Venezuela’s interim government during a campaign rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, saying the arrangement would cover billions of barrels and cost American taxpayers nothing.
Trump displayed a tanker he said was carrying one million barrels of Venezuelan oil. He described the agreement as an energy win for the United States and said, “We’re celebrating the greatest oil victory in history.”
He also raised the prospect of Venezuela becoming part of the United States, saying the country could become a “prosperous 51st state.”
The remarks came nine months after the United States deposed Venezuela’s president. Nicolás Maduro was detained by U.S. forces and taken to New York to face criminal charges. The Trump administration has faced criticism for not pressing for a democratic transition in Venezuela.
Trump’s oil comments also came after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a route carrying about 20% of global oil supplies, following his decision to enter the war with Iran. Trump has previously discussed acquiring Greenland, Canada and Mexico.