President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency to safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts, signalling an assertive policy to protect these funds from seizure by courts or creditors and to ensure they serve broader U.S. foreign policy and economic objectives.

The executive order, signed on January nine under the National Emergencies Act and International Emergency Economic Powers Act, prohibits any judicial attachment of the revenues, which are held in so-called Foreign Government Deposit Funds derived from Venezuelan crude oil sales.

The White House stated that the funds remain the sovereign property of Venezuela — held in U.S. custody for governmental and diplomatic purposes — but that their protection is necessary to prevent interference that could undermine efforts to foster economic and political stability in the country.

The move comes in the context of Washington’s expanded involvement in Venezuela following the recent U.S. military operation that led to the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro and a broader strategy to open up Venezuelan oil resources to U.S. interest and investment.

Trump has promoted plans for American energy firms to help rebuild Venezuela’s ageing oil infrastructure and has overseen the control and planned sale of tens of millions of barrels of crude previously stranded under sanctions.

Several major oil companies, including Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips, have longstanding claims against Venezuela over expropriated assets, and the order aims to prevent these claims from disrupting U.S. stewardship of the revenues.

Administration officials argue that preserving the oil funds under U.S. control will contribute to long-term stability and recovery in Venezuela, while providing opportunities for U.S. industry and ensuring that proceeds are used judiciously.

The declaration underscores an intensifying U.S. role in Venezuela’s oil sector and reflects Trump’s broader energy and foreign policy priorities in the Western Hemisphere.