Venezuela Defends US Oil Deal Amid Sovereignty Backlash

Delcy Rodriguez, who is currently acting as Venezuela's president, is facing growing criticism from both hardliners and opposition factions over a deal that gives the U.S. exclusive access to the country’s oil reserves. Detractors view this pact as a violation of sovereignty, which could become a significant political challenge for Rodriguez, especially as she seems to be counting on her arrangement with President Donald Trump to bolster her power. The deal allows the U.S. to control 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil, potentially reducing the Trump administration's motivation for urgent elections. Risa Grais-Targow from Eurasia Group noted that this could strengthen Trump’s support for Rodriguez, prompting anger from the opposition. Rodriguez claimed the agreement would bring prosperity and create jobs, estimating a profit of about US$19 per barrel, but the deep-rooted anti-U.S. sentiment in Venezuela could lead to backlash. Additionally, supporters of Chavismo, the movement founded by the late Hugo Chavez focused on state control of oil, have their own concerns.