US legislators urge Trump to disclose profits from Venezuela oil deal.

Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, hailing from Illinois, has taken a bold stance in demanding transparency from President Donald Trump. In a letter addressed to the President, Krishnamoorthi has requested information regarding the recent Venezuela oil agreement and its potential beneficiaries. The agreement, announced by Trump on August 28, has raised concerns about the involvement of US taxpayer resources.

According to Krishnamoorthi's office, the deal would give the United States a 35% stake in the corporate parent of North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) and the right to purchase some of its oil production. However, the limited information made public about the deal has raised questions about who will benefit from it and the extent of US government involvement. In his letter, Krishnamoorthi expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the deal and its potential implications for Trump, his family, political allies, and major donors.

He urged the President to provide more information before committing substantial funds to Venezuela's energy sector. The Congressman also raised concerns about Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt, who leads NABEP. Betancourt has faced investigations for alleged money laundering in Switzerland, Spain, and the United States, and has been named as a conspirator in a Miami criminal complaint involving funds from Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA.

In addition, Trump's personal lawyer at the time, Rudy Giuliani, had represented Betancourt in discussions with Justice Department officials. Krishnamoorthi also mentioned oil businessman Harry Sargeant III, a Republican donor with close ties to Trump who reportedly advised the administration on the Venezuela deal. Sargeant recently agreed to sell the company through which he held a minority stake in NABEP for $300 million.

The Congressman emphasized the need for transparency when government decisions have the potential to financially benefit individuals with close connections to the President. He asked Trump to disclose any financial interests that he, his family, or entities in which they have a stake may have in businesses involved in the Venezuela agreement. Krishnamoorthi also requested information on whether current or former administration officials, campaign officials, major political donors, or business associates have any interests in the deal.

In addition, the Congressman sought details on which US government agencies, funds, financing mechanisms, or other taxpayer-backed resources would be used to support the agreement. He also asked about any ethics reviews, conflict-of-interest analyses, recusals, or safeguards in place to prevent improper financial benefits to Trump, his family, allies, or business associates. Krishnamoorthi's letter to Trump highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government decisions that could potentially impact the American people.

As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the House Intelligence Committee, Krishnamoorthi is committed to ensuring that the public's interests are protected and that government actions are conducted ethically and responsibly.