Vance Says Venezuela Can Sell Oil Only If It Serves US Interests

The vice president said Washington will use control over Venezuelan energy revenues to exert leverage without a long-term military presence.
Vance Says Venezuela Can Sell Oil Only If It Serves US Interests
Vice President JD Vance in Alburtis, Pa., on Dec. 16, 2025. Ryan Collerd/AFP via Getty Images
Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
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U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the United States will allow Venezuela to sell oil only if those sales advance U.S. national interests, describing Washington’s emerging energy policy toward the country as a tool of diplomatic leverage that avoids military entanglements and does not endanger any American lives.

In a Jan. 7 interview on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Vance said U.S. control over Venezuelan energy revenues would give Washington economic and geopolitical influence while avoiding a prolonged military commitment.
Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
Tom Ozimek is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times. He has a broad background in journalism, deposit insurance, marketing and communications, and adult education.
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