Trump says U.S. secures majority control of Venezuela's oil reserves

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States has reached an agreement to obtain majority control of over 65 billion barrels of oil reserves in Venezuela. He said the deal was arranged through coordination with Venezuelan officials and a partnership with private firms, and that it would be provided "at no cost to" U.S. taxpayers.

Trump described the transaction as a significant step for the bilateral relationship, stating, >"This Transaction will greatly strengthen the already growing relationship between Venezuela and the United States."

The announcement follows a January U.S. military strike in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The deal comes amid rising fuel prices in the United States, with the average gasoline price reaching about $4.09 per gallon, a 27 % increase from the previous year, according to the American Automobile Association. Crude oil prices have risen more than 24 % since the conflict with Iran began, although West Texas Intermediate fell 4 % this week.

Trump said the agreement could help bring down pump prices, though no details on the terms or financing were disclosed.