President Trump’s plainspoken declaration that “we’re going to keep the oil” is the kind of decisive, America-first leadership the country sorely needs after years of weak, apologetic foreign policy. For decades leftist elites lectured us about restraint while our rivals grabbed strategic resources; today, a president who actually puts American interests first is turning words into action. This is not theft — it is reclaiming the fruits of a broken regime’s mismanagement and securing energy for the American people.
The administration says Venezuela will transfer tens of millions of barrels — figures in the 30 to 50 million range have been reported — after a bold operation that resulted in Nicolás Maduro’s capture and the handover of key assets. That kind of volume moves markets and changes leverage, and it underscores that energy independence can be a weapon of peace and prosperity when wielded by patriotic leadership. Americans who work in energy, refining, and trucking know the value of secure supply and stable prices.
Officials have been clear that seized tankers and the oil aboard them will be retained by U.S. authorities, with the president even musing about using some of the crude for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve or selling it at market. Critics will howl about international norms, but the simple fact is our competitors have long exploited chaos while our leaders stood on the sidelines talking. If retaining these assets prevents foreign adversaries from profiting off Venezuelan misery and helps lower prices at the pump for American families, that is a result worth defending.
Mr. Trump has also pledged to bring in American oil companies to rebuild Venezuela’s dilapidated infrastructure, saying they would spend billions and be reimbursed either upfront or through future revenues. That plan is common-sense: our private sector has the expertise and incentive to fix production fast, and taxpayers shouldn’t be left footing the bill for foreign misrule when American companies can restore output and jobs. Opponents pretending the private market won’t respond are ignoring how industry moves when legal certainty and profit exist.
Of course, the left and globalist elites will scream about climate impacts and “imperialism,” trotting out predictable talking points while refusing to acknowledge Venezuela’s decades of corruption and the human suffering that followed. Their reflexive moralizing rings hollow when compared to the real-world benefits of energy security, job creation, and restored rule of law that come from breaking the hold of tyrants on their people’s resources. Conservatives should call out that hypocrisy and demand policies that put American families first, not foreign virtue-signaling.
Make no mistake: legal, logistical, and diplomatic challenges remain, and Trump’s critics will try every legal and media trick to slow this down. That is why strong executive action paired with clear legal frameworks and oversight is essential — let the lawyers and courts sort the technicalities while the administration secures American interests. Patriots should insist on accountability and transparency, but not on timidity when our nation’s prosperity and security are at stake.
Hardworking Americans know the truth: energy is power, and power protects freedom. This administration’s willingness to seize the moment, stand up to hostile regimes, and put American economic security first should be applauded, not crucified by a Washington elite that prefers grandstanding to results. If keeping Venezuelan oil means lower prices, more jobs, and fewer geopolitical concessions, then count this patriot among those who will back bold action every time.
