Venezuela's heavy crude is processed in refineries located in Houston, Texas. Amid criticism of President Joe Biden, Republican leader Donald Trump condemned the decision to allow Venezuela to continue exporting oil to the United States, despite believing that his country produces the best crude in the world.
In November 2022, the Biden administration authorized the American oil company Chevron to expand its production in Venezuela, thus reversing some of the sanctions imposed during Trump's first term. The latter stated that Maduro was willing to leave power, but that the Biden administration strengthened him, creating an unfavorable situation.
Trump expressed his determination not to allow the purchase of Venezuelan oil, emphasizing that he would not repeat what he considers a "stupid" action like that of Biden. He proposed making Venezuela regain its strength and raised the possibility of revoking the license currently allowing Chevron to operate in Venezuelan territory.
The Trump administration plans to confiscate another plane linked to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, which is currently located in the Dominican Republic. The aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 200 used by Maduro and high officials, has been used to travel to various countries, which would be considered a violation of the sanctions imposed by the United States.
The confiscation occurs after the visit of Richard Grenell, Trump's special envoy, to Caracas, where he met with Maduro to discuss the repatriation of Venezuelan citizens who have illegally entered the United States. In this context, Trump stated that Maduro was ready to leave office, but that Biden offered him support, during an event at the White House related to the purchase of Venezuelan oil by American companies.
