Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on January 7, 2026, that the Trump administration plans to control future sales of oil from Venezuela and use the proceeds to rebuild the nation's economy, according to a Bloomberg report shared between 3:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. UTC. Wright's comments, aired on Bloomberg Television, build on earlier announcements of indefinite U.S. oversight of Venezuelan oil sales, as previously reported by ABC News and CNBC sources. The plan directs proceeds into U.S.-controlled accounts amid ongoing sanctions enforcement. In related developments during the 29-minute window ending at 4:15 p.m. UTC, tracking data revealed the sanctioned crude oil tanker Premier (IMO 9577082) now operates under a Russian flag after departing Jose Terminal Port, Venezuela, on December 18, 2025, having previously sailed under the Gambian flag, per an X post by @Nexus_osintx. A U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus tanker (call sign SABER46) in St. Croix began emitting signals on land, signaling preparations to depart in connection with Operation Southern Spear, according to @Flightwatcher1 on X. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded to questions on defense systems provided to Venezuela, as noted in an X post by @onestpress during the window.
