Trump Announces Venezuela Oil Reserve Agreement

Why it matters locally: An agreement granting the U.S. access to Venezuela's oil reserves could influence national energy prices, potentially affecting the cost of fuel and heating oil for Maine residents and businesses, including those in its key industries.

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President Trump announced an agreement with Venezuela on Friday, August 28, 2026. He stated the agreement would grant the United States access to 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's oil reserves. Trump indicated the United States would acquire this oil at cost. He characterized the arrangement as a "sweeping agreement." The President made the announcement after arriving off Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The stated volume of 65 billion barrels represents a portion of Venezuela's undeveloped oil reserves.