Safeguarding Venezuelan Oil Revenue for the Good of the American and Venezuelan People

Jan 15, 2026

Summary

Protects money from Venezuelan oil sales held by the U.S. government from being taken through lawsuits to support U.S. foreign policy goals.

What problem does this solve?

Lawsuits could take money belonging to the Venezuelan government that is held by the U.S., harming American efforts to bring stability to the region. This order blocks all legal attempts to seize these specific funds by declaring the situation a national emergency.

Who does this affect?

Government of Venezuela
Creditors of the Venezuelan government

What does this order do?

Declares a national emergency

Establishes a national emergency to deal with the threat of lawsuits against Venezuelan government funds held in the U.S., calling it a threat to national security.

Blocks all legal claims

Prohibits and voids any attachment, lien, garnishment, or other court process against the protected Venezuelan funds.

Defines protected funds

Specifies that protected funds are those held by the U.S. Treasury on behalf of Venezuela that come from the sale of its natural resources.

Asserts Venezuelan government ownership

Determines that the funds are the property of the Government of Venezuela and not any private party or creditor.

Authorizes treasury to manage funds

Gives the Secretary of the Treasury the power to manage the funds and issue rules to carry out the order's purpose.

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens U.S. foreign policy leverage

Gives the U.S. government control over significant Venezuelan funds. This control can be used as a tool to influence political and economic outcomes in Venezuela and protect American interests in the region.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately as of January 9, 2026.