‘It Was Always About Oil, All Allegations Were Falsehoods’: Venezuela’s Leader Slams ‘Energy Greed’ Of US | World News

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has harshly criticized the United States, saying allegations of drug trafficking, democratic failures and human rights violations are “lies” and merely an excuse for Washington to explore for Venezuelan oil.

Speaking to state television, Rodríguez said that the “energy greed of the North” wants to take control of his country’s rich energy resources, and that the accusations against Caracas are nothing more than an “excuse” for this purpose.

Delcy Rodríguez from Venezuela: “Those who exclude themselves from Venezuela are those who participate in the attacks against us. Venezuela is not at war. We are a country of peace attacked by a nuclear power. Our markets are open to the whole world.” pic.twitter.com/5GtsURpPlO— FIGHT | (@upholdreality) January 8, 2026

Referring to the tense relations with the United States, Rodríguez acknowledged that there was an unprecedented rupture in bilateral relations and described this as “a stain on our relations that has never been experienced in our history.” He emphasized that Venezuela is open to energy partnerships that “benefit all parties” through clearly defined commercial agreements, and also called for political unity within the country.

Delcy Rodríguez from Venezuela: “All the lies about ‘drug trafficking’, ‘democracy’, ‘human rights’. These were excuses. It was always about oil.” pic.twitter.com/800sdOy6lu— COMBATE (@upholdreality) January 8, 2026

Rodríguez announced plans for a bill that would promote national stability and called on all political forces to work together against “extremist or fascist social, political and economic expressions”, which he warned posed serious risks to the republic.

His remarks come at a time of significant change in Caracas-Washington relations.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump said Venezuela had agreed to funnel revenue from a new oil deal into purchases of American-made goods. Trump said in a post on social media platform Truth Social that Caracas would use the money to purchase “ONLY American-Made Products,” including agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment to improve Venezuela’s power grid and energy facilities.

Trump stated that the agreement was beneficial for both countries and claimed that Venezuela had committed the United States as a “main partner” within the scope of the agreement.

The resulting situation comes against a backdrop of rising tensions following a number of recent developments in the region. Details of these continued to dominate the international media.

If you would like, I can also provide a timeline of events leading up to this latest exchange or analysis of the geopolitical implications of the oil deal.