Venezuelan Opposition Leader Criticizes US Oil Agreement

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has publicly questioned a major oil agreement between United States President Donald Trump and Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez. The deal involves the development of 17 oil fields with a potential of approximately 65 billion barrels of crude oil, with the United States securing the right to purchase 20 percent of production at cost. While President Trump described the agreement as historic and the largest oil deal in world history, Machado argued that the pact was signed by an illegitimate regime and lacks the transparency and legality required for long term stability.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who took office after a US military operation captured Nicolás Maduro in January, thanked President Trump for the agreement and stated it would bring well being to Venezuela. President Trump has praised Rodríguez for her work and noted that while Venezuela is not yet ready for elections, he expects them to occur soon. In contrast, Machado emphasized that the country's natural resources belong to the people rather than an illegitimate government. She asserted that a serious and democratic government is necessary to ensure the security and profitability of such strategic investments.

The agreement was signed on August 31 by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth with the company North American Blue Energy Partners. While some reports focus on the strategic and political tension between Machado and the Trump administration, other financial perspectives suggest the deal may not sufficiently appease Venezuela's creditors, who seek evidence that the country can produce and sell enough oil in dollars to repay its debts.