U.S. Senator Chris Murphy has sharply criticized former President Donald Trump's proposed plan to assert control over Venezuela's oil industry, calling it a "windfall for Wall Street at the expense of Venezuelan sovereignty." The Connecticut Democrat accused Trump of abandoning his earlier anti-interventionist rhetoric, warning that the strategy could force U.S. taxpayers to subsidize corporate management of Venezuela's economy while oil profits bypass local communities.
Murphy's remarks, made during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing this week, highlight growing tensions over U.S. economic policies toward resource-rich nations. Analysts suggest the proposed measures could reshape energy markets in 2026, with multinational corporations positioned to gain refinery access and distribution rights.
The debate comes as Venezuela continues to navigate complex recovery efforts following recent political transitions. Critics argue that foreign control of oil assets – which account for 95% of Venezuela's export earnings – risks destabilizing regional economies and undermining diplomatic progress made in recent years.
