WASHINGTON, D.C. January 8, 2026 – White House Senior Counselor Peter Navarro pushed back against critics accusing President Donald Trump of undermining American energy independence through recent deals involving Venezuelan oil, arguing that opponents fundamentally misunderstand how U.S. gasoline is produced.
In a video posted to X on January 8, filmed in front of the White House, Navarro directly addressed claims from the left that the administration’s policy of importing and controlling Venezuelan crude represents “hypocrisy” or a “moral failure.”
“They’re wrong,” Navarro stated. “It shows they don’t understand how America actually makes gasoline.”
He explained that while U.S. fracking has flooded the market with light sweet crude, many refineries—especially along the Gulf Coast—are designed to process heavier crude oil. Venezuelan supplies, he said, match this infrastructure perfectly, enabling more efficient production of gasoline and diesel, stabilizing supplies, and potentially lowering pump prices.
“This isn’t hypocrisy—that’s competence,” Navarro emphasized.
Beyond domestic benefits, Navarro highlighted geopolitical advantages: redirecting Venezuelan barrels away from China reduces Beijing’s influence in Latin America while weakening Russia and Cuba, which have relied on subsidized Venezuelan oil. He added that the policy counters regional instability and migration pressures.
The defense comes amid controversy over the Trump administration’s announcement earlier this week that the U.S. will control Venezuelan oil sales—potentially indefinitely—following a deal to receive up to 50 million barrels. President Trump has stated that proceeds will require Venezuela to purchase American-made products, framing it as a boost to U.S. industry and energy dominance.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have questioned the move’s consistency with the administration’s “drill baby drill” rhetoric and energy independence goals. Navarro’s video, which has garnered over 52,000 views and nearly 2,000 likes, appears aimed at countering that narrative.
The post concludes with a plug for Navarro’s website, PeterNavarro.com, for updates on trade and manufacturing policy in the Trump White House.
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