Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Machado Challenges Venezuela Oil Deal With US-Backed Interim Government
María Corina Machado criticized a new oil agreement between Venezuela and the United States.
She said Venezuela’s leaders do not have the democratic authority to make the deal.
Machado believes the country’s oil belongs to the Venezuelan people.
At the same time, she said the United States is an important partner for developing Venezuela’s oil industry.
The agreement gives the Pentagon a 35% share in a Venezuelan oil company, according to the article.
The White House says the deal will create opportunities and reduce the influence of China and Russia.
Machado’s supporters worry that the deal could make the United States less likely to demand new elections.
Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez said elections would happen when the country is ready, without giving a date.
María Corina Machado criticized Venezuela’s interim government for signing an oil agreement with the United States.
Machado said Venezuela’s natural resources belong to its people, not an “illegitimate regime” without a democratic mandate.
The agreement reportedly gives the Pentagon a 35% stake in a Venezuelan oil company and covers more than 65 billion barrels.
The White House says the deal will expand Venezuelan production, strengthen US energy dominance and exclude Chinese and Russian influence.
Machado’s supporters fear the agreement could reduce Washington’s pressure for new presidential elections, while officials said voting would occur when Venezuela is ready.
- Who
- María Corina Machado, Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez, US President Donald Trump and US officials are central figures.
- What
- Machado questioned the legitimacy of a US-Venezuela oil agreement and criticized the interim government’s authority to negotiate it.
- When
- The agreement and Machado’s comments were discussed in the article on Wednesday; Rodríguez took power in January, according to the article.
- Where
- The dispute concerns Venezuela, including the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas; Machado made her statement in a social-media video.
- Why
- The White House says the agreement will expand oil production, create economic opportunities and limit foreign influence, while Machado’s supporters fear it could weaken pressure for elections.
Critics of the Agreement
Supporters of the Agreement
Legitimacy to negotiate oil resources
Critics of the Agreement
Machado argues that Venezuela’s interim leaders lack a democratic mandate and therefore have no right to negotiate the country’s natural resources.
Supporters of the Agreement
The White House and the interim government are proceeding with the agreement as part of efforts to develop Venezuela’s economy and energy sector.
US role in Venezuela’s oil industry
Critics of the Agreement
Machado criticized the decision-making process and said Venezuelans felt sadness, anger and unease at being excluded.
Supporters of the Agreement
Machado also said the United States is the key partner Venezuela needs to fully develop its strategic and oil potential.
Effect on elections
Critics of the Agreement
Machado’s supporters fear the agreement will make Washington less willing to push for fresh presidential elections.
Supporters of the Agreement
Trump and Rodríguez said an election would come later, with Rodríguez saying Venezuela would hold an electoral process when it was ready.
- Agreement
- The Pentagon is to take a 35% stake in a Venezuelan oil company.
- Oil reserves
- Venezuela has an estimated 303 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves.
- Reserves involved
- More than 65 billion barrels are involved in the agreement.
- Machado’s position
- She says Venezuela’s natural resources belong to its people, not an illegitimate regime.
- US rationale
- The White House says the deal supports US energy dominance and excludes Chinese and Russian influence.
- Election timing
- Delcy Rodríguez said an electoral process would occur when Venezuela is ready, but set no date.