Donald Trump to visit Texas oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude oil

United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he will travel to Texas to accept an oil tanker carrying crude oil from Venezuela. The Washington Examiner, AP News, and ABC News all reported that Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio plan to visit the tanker during the trip. [1][2][8]

The Washington Examiner reported that the event is organized to highlight administration efforts to revitalize the oil industry in Venezuela, boost oil supply to the United States, and reduce fuel prices. The outlet reported that the tanker carries 1 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil. [1]

The visit takes place as Donald Trump campaigns for Republicans in Texas ahead of the November midterm elections, according to the Washington Examiner and Fox News. Fox Business reported that Donald Trump has enlisted Texas football stars to boost rally turnout during his campaign stops in the state. [1][3][4][5][6]

On 3 January 2026, United States forces launched a military operation in Venezuela that captured President Nicolas Maduro, following bombings of infrastructure across northern Venezuela. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States urged Venezuela to permit opposition leader Maria Corina Machado to return from exile as part of democratic transition plans. [12][14]