Questioning the legality and wisdom of U.S. oil sales from Venezuela

Critics argue that the U.S. selling Venezuelan oil raises serious legal and ethical questions. Without a clear congressional authorization or a United Nations mandate, such sales may violate international law and set a dangerous precedent for resource seizure. Legal experts note that the U.S. does not own the oil—it belongs to the Venezuelan state under the Maduro government, which still controls the country's institutions. The $13 billion claim is unverified, and there is no independent audit of where the money goes. Skeptics worry the funds could be diverted to private contractors or used to finance instability in Venezuela. Moreover, selling the oil could undermine the very sanctions regime Washington built: it signals that oil trade with Venezuela is acceptable if done by the U.S., confusing allies and adversaries alike. Economists point out that flooding the market with Venezuelan crude could depress global prices, hurting American producers. Citizens of Venezuela see little benefit, as the U.S.-recognized opposition has been unable to distribute aid effectively. The move risks prolonging the conflict by removing incentives for negotiation. Critics call for an independent investigation and a halt to what they see as an overreach of executive power.