Trump Touts Venezuela Oil Deal at Texas Port, Touts "Drill, Baby, Drill!"

Speaking at the Port of Corpus Christi, which he described as "one of the largest energy export hubs anywhere in the world," Trump said his administration had acted swiftly on energy policy. "On day one, I declared a national energy emergency. I ended the Biden export ban. And I told our great Texas energy workers to very simply drill, baby, drill!"

He claimed production gains since returning to office. "Since my inauguration, US oil production is now up by 600,000 barrels a day." He added: "Natural gas production is at an all-time record high by far."

Trump also pointed to lower fuel prices. "Today, right here in Corpus Christi, the price of gasoline is down to just less than actually, now $2.30," he said. Referring to a recent visit, he added: "$1.99. And then, I passed another one $1.85. It's happening."

A central focus of his speech was Venezuela. Indicating a tanker near the dock, he said: "In fact, 360,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude are right now sitting in the tanker on my left." He described Caracas as a "new friend and partner" and said, "For the benefit of both our nations, we're going to refine their oil right here in America and right here in Texas and then export it all over the world."

He argued the arrangement would benefit both countries. "It's great for Venezuela, and it's great for us," he said, adding that "a lot of it comes right here."

Trump credited federal investment during his first term for the port's expansion. "In my first term, I approved vital federal funding to deepen the channel and fully modernise the Port of Corpus Christi," he said, adding that companies had since created "tens of thousands of jobs."

Port Corpus Christi asset management director Jesse Robinson called the moment "an irrefutably historical moment," and said he had seen "the millions of dollars in federal funds invested in infrastructure that helps us serve our customers so they can then turn and serve the communities around the world."

Marine Corps veteran Kevin Rose said recent tax changes had helped his family. "With the legislation that has been passed with no tax on overtime, we were able to buy a commercial refrigerator for our business," he said, adding that his family planned to take their children on a trip.

Trump also linked energy supply to artificial intelligence growth, saying big technology companies must build their "own power plant" so they are "no longer taking out of the community." He called the requirement "mandatory."

National Border Patrol Council president Paul Perez praised the administration's broader record, telling supporters: "President Trump is the best president in the history of this country. Prove me wrong."

- IANS