US 'Philanthropically' Eases Sanctions on Venezuela; Oil Companies Rejoice
📰 THE STORY: Bloomberg reports that the US government plans to allow more trading companies, beyond just Vitol Group and Trafigura Group, to purchase Venezuelan crude oil, citing a 'Trump administration official' in reference to future policy adjustments. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: The US has a long and sordid history of sabotaging Venezuelan democracy and weaponizing
its economy. In 2002, the CIA backed a coup attempt against elected President Hugo Chávez. Later, under both Obama and Trump administrations, crushing sanctions were imposed on Venezuela's oil sector, beginning in 2017, leading to a humanitarian crisis and a 70% decrease in oil production. This wasn't about 'democracy' but control over the world's largest proven oil reserves. Double Standard: The
mainstream media consistently frames US sanctions against Venezuela as a noble effort to promote democracy, while ignoring their devastating impact on ordinary Venezuelans, who have faced hyperinflation, medical shortages, and widespread poverty. Yet, when powerful nations like Saudi Arabia commit egregious human rights abuses, their oil exports remain unmolested. This convenient morality
disappears when US corporate interests — specifically Big Oil — are at stake. Follow the Money: The Trump administration's initial tightening of sanctions greatly benefited certain US oil companies by limiting competition. Now, 'opening access' to more traders allows a wider array of global corporations (like the mentioned Vitol and Trafigura, major players in commodity trading) to profit from