The US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, denies that the United States is “stealing Venezuelan oil,” responding to accusations that US involvement amounts to taking the resource. Wright says the arrangement involves private oil companies that provide funding and operational capacity to produce the oil.
He argues that although production is carried out through private firms, the financial returns are directed to Venezuela. Wright says the benefits flow to the Venezuelan government through royalties and taxes, which he describes as going to the people of Venezuela.
Both outlets report Wright’s core position: the US is not claiming ownership in the way critics suggest. The coverage focuses on his explanation of where money from production ultimately goes—toward Venezuelan authorities rather than US entities—rather than on independent verification of the claims or details of the underlying agreements.
