Donald Trump's administration has been accused of formulating a radical plan to seize control of Venezuela's vast oil wealth, with a senior US senator likening the proposal to theft 'at gunpoint'.
The Alleged Scheme for Venezuelan Oil
According to revelations from the US Department of Energy, a scheme was developed aiming to take control of all proceeds from Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely. Under this plan, the funds would be held in accounts controlled by the United States. Their use would then be determined for what was described as the benefit of both the American and Venezuelan people.
The allegations emerged alongside new footage showing the moment the US Coast Guard stormed Venezuelan tankers in a pre-dawn operation. This visual evidence has added fuel to the fire of the ongoing controversy surrounding US policy towards Venezuela.
Political Backlash and 'Insane' Accusations
The plan has drawn fierce criticism from prominent political figures. Senator Chris Murphy was particularly scathing, publicly condemning the strategy. He branded it as 'insane' and stated it was akin to 'stealing the Venezuelan oil at gunpoint'.
Former President Donald Trump had previously indicated a vision for a long-term US presence in Venezuela, suggesting the nation could be 'rebuilt' using the profits generated from its own oil resources. The newly alleged plot appears to outline a mechanism for enacting that vision, placing financial control firmly in Washington's hands.
Long-Term Implications and Reactions
The accusations, dated Thursday 8 January 2026, point to a significant escalation in the methods considered for managing the political and economic crisis in Venezuela. If enacted, such a policy would represent an unprecedented level of external control over a sovereign nation's primary natural resource and economic engine.
The situation continues to develop, with the release of the operational footage ensuring the story remains in the public eye. The stark characterisation of the plan by a sitting US senator ensures it will face intense scrutiny and debate in the corridors of power, both domestically and internationally.
