Lawmakers Probe Trump Administration Over $13 Billion Venezuelan Oil Funds

The Donald Trump administration is facing intense scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and financial analysts over the management of more than $13 billion in revenue collected from Venezuelan oil sales since January 2026. Following a U.S. military operation that led to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, the United States assumed control of Venezuela's oil exports. While the Financial Times estimates revenues exceed $13 billion, Venezuela's own tracking website records only a single $300 million transfer.

U.S. officials, including State Department representative Michael Kozak, claim approximately $3 billion has been sent to Venezuela for salaries and equipment, but the administration has not released detailed accounts. This discrepancy has intensified following June 24 earthquakes that killed over 3,340 people and caused an estimated $37 billion in infrastructure damage. Washington announced $386 million in disaster assistance but has not disclosed how much of that funding originated from the seized oil revenues.

In response, U.S. lawmakers are demanding independent audits. Representative Joaquín Castro accused the administration of pursuing oil, power, and graft, while Senators Chuck Schumer and Adam Schiff introduced the Venezuela Oil Proceeds Transparency Act to force a Government Accountability Office audit. The White House maintains that funds are held in a custodial capacity to benefit both American and Venezuelan people.