Peter Navarro's video defends the Trump administration's decision to buy heavy crude oil from Venezuela (after the U.S. helped remove Maduro in early 2026).
Critics on the left call it hypocritical—Trump promised "energy independence," so why import foreign oil?
Navarro's simple explanation (like a quick econ lesson):
◆ U.S. fracking booms produce tons of "light sweet" crude (easy to refine into gasoline).
◆ But many big U.S. refineries (especially on the Gulf Coast) were built decades ago to handle "heavy" crude—thicker, cheaper oil that yields more diesel and higher profits when processed.
◆ Venezuela's oil is perfect heavy crude. Importing it keeps refineries running efficiently, increases fuel output, stabilizes supply, and helps keep gas/diesel prices lower.
◆ Without it, costs go up and shortages could hit.
It's not dependency—it's smart optimization of our existing infrastructure while we drill domestically.
Geopolitical bonus:
China and Russia used to buy Venezuela's oil to gain influence in Latin America (and prop up allies like Cuba).
Redirecting those sales to the U.S. weakens their leverage and reduces regional instability/migration pressures.
Bottom line: Lower prices at the pump, stronger U.S. economy, and a win against adversaries—all while maintaining energy dominance. Navarro calls the critics clueless about how refining actually works.
