Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Safeguards Venezuelan Oil Revenue for the Good of the American and Venezuelan People

1/9/2026

Fact Sheets

View Original

Action Summary

National Emergency Declaration: President Trump signed an Executive Order declaring a national emergency to safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts.
Protection of Funds: The Order blocks any judicial process (attachment, judgment, lien, etc.) against the Foreign Government Deposit Funds, defined as Venezuelan oil revenues and diluent sales.
Sovereign Nature of Funds: These funds are recognized as the sovereign property of Venezuela and are held for governmental and diplomatic purposes, not subject to private claims, with any transfers strictly authorized.
Advancing U.S. National Security: Preventing the seizure of these funds aims to secure U.S. objectives by combating illegal immigration and illicit narcotics flows, protecting American lives.
Countering Malign Actors: By preserving control over the revenues, the Order prevents empowering groups like Iran and Hezbollah, thus supporting broader diplomatic and security objectives in the Western Hemisphere.
America First Strategy: Complementary actions include:
- Designation of Terrorist Organizations: Eight cartels, including Tren de Aragua, designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).
- Military and Law Enforcement Actions: Authorization of lethal force against narcoterrorists, blockade of sanctioned oil tankers, and an extraordinary military operation to pursue Maduro.
Overall Objective: By safeguarding these oil revenues, the Order reinforces U.S. national security, supports hemispheric stability, and advances America First priorities against threats from the Maduro regime and its enablers.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order could influence international relations and stability in the Western Hemisphere, which may affect Vanderbilt’s global partnerships and collaborations. Any geopolitical shifts can influence the university’s international student demographics and research opportunities.
Increased focus on national security and border control could lead to stricter immigration policies. This may impact Vanderbilt’s ability to attract international students and faculty, potentially affecting diversity and inclusion efforts.
The Order’s emphasis on combatting narcoterrorism might lead to enhanced scrutiny and regulatory requirements for research related to drug policy and international affairs. This could require adjustments in compliance for research programs.
Political instability in regions like Venezuela can impact study abroad programs and field research opportunities for students and faculty engaged in Latin American studies.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) may see increased demand for expertise in political stability and public opinion research in Venezuela and the broader region.
The Center for Latin American Studies might need to adapt its curriculum and outreach strategies to reflect the changing political landscape and its impact on U.S. foreign policy.
Vanderbilt’s Immersion Program could face challenges in offering international experiences in areas impacted by the Executive Order’s geopolitical effects.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development may need to consider new approaches in educational policy research concerning immigrant populations and international relations.

Financial Impact

Changes in foreign policy and national security priorities could impact federal research funding allocations, potentially affecting grants and projects related to international relations and security studies.
Vanderbilt might need to explore alternative funding sources for projects and research areas affected by shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities.
The university’s financial strategies might need adjustment to address potential changes in international student enrollment, impacting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential adjustments in international programs and partnerships.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies should closely monitor developments related to U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela. This includes analyzing the impacts of restricted oil revenue and potential shifts in diplomatic relations, which will help inform research and educational initiatives on Latin American political dynamics.
The Office of Federal Relations should establish communication with policymakers involved in foreign affairs to stay updated on how these actions may influence U.S. educational and research partnerships in Latin America. This proactive engagement can position Vanderbilt to contribute insights and expertise on regional stability efforts.
Vanderbilt’s Law School may consider conducting research on the legal implications of sovereign fund protection and its alignment with international law. This could enhance the university’s contribution to scholarly discussions on the intersection of national security and international economic policy.
Peabody College could explore opportunities for research on the social impact of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, particularly regarding migration patterns and community dynamics. This research could support initiatives focused on refugee and immigrant education programs.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine to engage in research on the public health impacts of narcotics trafficking and potential collaboration with U.S. agencies working to curtail these activities. This could lead to new funding and research opportunities focused on public health and safety.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the emphasis on national security by developing programs or conferences that address hemispheric security issues. Partnering with government agencies and think tanks could bolster the university’s reputation as a leader in security studies and international relations.
The protection of Venezuelan oil revenue aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to global stability and development. The university can leverage this focus to enhance partnerships and collaborations with international organizations working in economic development and humanitarian aid.

Relevance Score: 3

Average Relevance Score: 2.8

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – The text does not specify any deadlines or timeframes for the implementation of the directives beyond the signing date.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of the Treasury: Tasked with safeguarding and managing the Venezuelan oil revenues held in U.S. Treasury accounts as defined by the order.
Department of Defense: Involved through the execution of military operations that support the broader national security and law enforcement objectives outlined in the action.
Department of Homeland Security (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard): Likely responsible for enforcing the blockade of sanctioned oil tankers, ensuring compliance with the directive related to Venezuelan maritime activities.
Department of State: Plays a role in upholding diplomatic and foreign policy objectives, including coordination on designations related to terrorism.
Law Enforcement Agencies (e.g., FBI, DEA): Expected to collaborate in efforts to counter narcoterrorism and address the broader criminal activities highlighted in the order.

Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of federal agencies are directly impacted by this directive.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of the Treasury – Responsible for ensuring that Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts is safeguarded from any attachment, judicial process, or unauthorized transfers as directed by the Order.
Secretary of Defense – Oversees military operations such as the blockade of sanctioned oil tankers and the execution of extraordinary military actions in support of law enforcement objectives.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directives directly involve Cabinet-level officials responsible for key national security, financial, and military operations.)