By Micah Jonah, January 30, 2026
A senior Democratic lawmaker in the United States House of Representatives has formally asked global commodities trading firms, Vitol and Trafigura to disclose any communications they had with the Trump administration concerning Venezuela’s oil sector.
Representative Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on a House investigative committee, made the request in separate letters addressed to Vitol Chief Executive Officer Russell Hardy and Trafigura Chief Executive Officer Richard Holtum. He asked the companies to submit all correspondence with members of the Trump administration from January 2025 to date.
Garcia said the inquiry is aimed at determining who stands to benefit from recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, particularly following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces earlier this month. The Trump administration has since stated that it intends to oversee Venezuela’s oil sales indefinitely.
Vitol and Trafigura were among the first companies to receive U.S. licenses – allowing them to load and export Venezuelan crude oil, a development that has raised concerns among Democratic lawmakers about transparency and the destination of revenues generated from the country’s oil exports.
In his letter, Garcia said lawmakers are seeking clarity on the administration’s plans for the sale and marketing of Venezuelan oil, as well as how proceeds from such sales would be managed. He also requested details of any agreements the companies may have reached with the U.S. government regarding Venezuelan commodities.
“The committee is seeking answers about the Trump administration’s intentions regarding Venezuelan oil and the resulting revenue,” Garcia wrote, adding that lawmakers want to understand the role played by the trading firms in implementing U.S. actions related to Venezuela.
Vitol declined to comment on the request, while Trafigura said it was reviewing the letter.
The development comes amid heightened political scrutiny in Washington, as Democrats intensify oversight efforts ahead of the November midterm elections, where control of the House of Representatives remains contested.
Earlier this week, a group of House Democrats also sent letters to several companies, including Vitol and Trafigura, warning that any new investments or transactions involving Venezuelan oil could carry significant legal and financial risks under U.S. law.
