U.S. President Donald Trump used his 2026 State of the Union address to champion his energy policies — reviving the slogan “drill, baby, drill” — and to boast of strong increases in domestic oil and gas production. He also signaled a surprising shift in tone toward Venezuela, calling the South American nation a new “friend and partner” as he highlighted recent oil imports.
Trump told lawmakers that, under his leadership, American natural gas output had reached record levels and that oil production had risen by more than 600,000 barrels per day. He also said the United States had received more than 80 million barrels of oil from Venezuela, underscoring what he described as improving relations between the two countries.
The president claimed that petrol prices had fallen to less than $2.30 per gallon in many states — a figure that contrasts with data from fuel price trackers showing a higher national average — as he sought to portray his energy agenda as a success.
Trump framed the energy story as part of a broader “turnaround for the ages” at home, seeking to counter weak poll numbers and build momentum ahead of key midterm elections.
Earlier this year, he suggested that ties with Caracas were warming after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured during a U.S. operation and taken to face charges, and said Washington was working “along really well” with Venezuela’s leadership. Trump also said that Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, had asked the United States to take 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil — a request he said he agreed to.
Last month, Trump ordered Maduro’s seizure on allegations including drug trafficking. Following that action, Washington eased some sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector to encourage increased production and exports to the U.S. market.
