Late-night hosts mock Trump control of Venezuelan oil proceeds

The Trump administration announced on Wednesday that the United States would sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil and that President Trump would personally be in control of the proceeds.

Late-night hosts responded with jokes and criticism. Jimmy Kimmel said it was good Trump would be in charge "that way we know it will be spent honestly" and quipped that "oil companies spent almost half a billion dollars to get him elected." Ronny Chieng mocked the hands-on approach, saying "Donald Trump is like, 'Yo, just give me the oil, I'll open a gas pump outside the Oval Office, OK? Just drive right up.'" Chieng also said, "Venezuela has agreed to hand over approximately $2 billion worth of oil to the United States" and called the move "mugging them." Stephen Colbert said, "presidents can't just steal and sell stuff that belongs to another country. That's what pirates do," and joked that Trump's promise the funds would "be used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States" meant "Caracas is gettin' a ballroom!"

The roundup highlights late-night reactions and does not report further details on how the proceeds will be implemented or any legal steps that might follow.

Key Topics

Politics, Donald Trump, Venezuela, Venezuelan Oil, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert