Representative Joaquin Castro Criticizes Trump Administration's Control Over Venezuelan Oil Revenues
U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democratic member of Congress, has voiced strong criticism regarding the Trump administration's handling of Venezuelan oil revenues. According to Castro, the administration's control over billions of dollars in Venezuelan oil revenue lacks transparency and safeguards, with Congress being kept in the dark. This situation arose after a military operation on January 3, 2026, which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and the subsequent assertion by President Trump that these revenues would be controlled by him. The Financial Times reported that President Trump claimed in June that the U.S. had recouped '28 times' the cost of the military operation through oil, and was 'also making a lot of money.' Following the U.S. intervention, certain sanctions were eased, allowing Venezuela to sell its oil more freely, but the revenues are channeled into accounts managed by U.S. authorities, effectively giving Washington control over their collection... 
