US VP says Venezuela can only sell oil if it serves US interests

This view shows crude oil tankers anchored on Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela, Jan. 7, 2026.
  • The United States controls Venezuela’s ‍purse ‍strings, Vance said

WASHINGTON: US Vice President JD Vance, in remarks ​due to air later on Wednesday, said Venezuela can only sell its oil if it serves the interests ‌of the ‌United States.

Vance ‌told ⁠Fox ​News’ “Jesse ‌Waters Primetime” show that the United States — which carried out strikes against the South American country and ⁠captured its president over ‌the week — controls Venezuela’s ‍purse ‍strings.

“We control the ‍energy resources, and we tell the regime, you’re allowed to sell the ​oil so long as you serve ⁠America’s national interest, you’re not allowed to sell it if you can’t serve America’s national interest,” Vance said.

Excerpts of the interview were released before it aired.

BY: The Times Union