Democratic senators demand Trump administration disclose Venezuelan oil revenue handling

In a letter obtained Thursday, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden and Sheldon Whitehouse pressed the Trump administration for a full accounting of Venezuelan oil-sale proceeds that were placed in a Treasury-controlled account following a January executive order. The order, issued days after a U.S. operation in Caracas that captured Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, directed revenues from Venezuelan crude to be held for the Venezuelan government or its central bank and PDVSA.

The senators claim the administration has offered no explanation of the funds’ disposition, audit status, or safeguards against diversion. Acting Venezuelan president Delcy Rodríguez confirmed receipt of $300 million intended for workers’ wages, while Energy Secretary Chris Wright earlier estimated completed sales at roughly $1 billion with additional billions expected. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a House committee that the blocked Treasury account at Citibank is audited by KPMG, which was hired by Caracas using the same revenues. The lack of transparency raises concerns about possible misuse of billions of dollars and congressional oversight.