The situation around Venezuela has entered a new phase. On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency to protect Venezuela’s oil revenues held in US Treasury accounts from seizure or court claims, DKNews.kz reports.
According to a White House statement, the move is intended to ensure that the funds are preserved "to advance the foreign policy objectives of the United States".
What the executive order does
The executive order blocks any arrests, court rulings, judgments, liens, enforcement actions, garnishments, or other legal proceedings involving funds on deposit from foreign governments. In Venezuela’s case, this refers to revenues from the sale of oil and diluents held in accounts at the US Treasury, the White House said.
In effect, the order removes these funds from the reach of any private or corporate claims.
Transfers banned without US approval
The order also prohibits any transfers or transactions involving the funds, except where specifically authorized. It further revokes any prior executive orders that could otherwise block, regulate, or affect these assets.
As a result, control over Venezuela’s oil revenues is now firmly centralized in US hands.
"An unusual and extraordinary threat"
The White House justified the sweeping measures on national security grounds.
The possibility of seizure or judicial action against funds on deposit from foreign governments constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, the source of which is wholly or substantially outside the United States, - the statement said.
The administration stressed that the funds are the sovereign property of Venezuela, held by the United States for governmental and diplomatic purposes, and are not subject to private claims.
US to control oil sales indefinitely
An even stronger signal came earlier this month. On January 7, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States would not only sell Venezuela’s oil reserves under its control but would also indefinitely oversee and control the sale of oil produced in the country.
The remark suggests a shift from financial oversight to long-term control over Venezuela’s most critical economic sector.
What this means for Venezuela and global markets
Analysts say Trump’s executive order formalizes Washington’s strategy of exercising comprehensive control over Venezuela’s oil revenues. While framed as a measure to "protect" funds, the move gives the United States significant leverage over both Venezuela’s economy and its foreign policy direction.
Against the backdrop of military action, political turmoil, and rising international tensions, Venezuela now faces a reality in which its primary source of income is managed from abroad. The consequences could extend far beyond the country itself, with potential long-term effects on global energy markets.
