Aug 31, 2026 5:36 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press

U.S. President Donald Trump’s attacks against Canada continue, with his latest remarks focusing on a major oil deal involving Venezuela. Trump has described the agreement, involving Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, as a direct warning to Ottawa and suggested that the United States may not need Canadian crude oil in the future.
Experts say the deal could create increased competition for Canadian crude in the U.S. market in the coming years. Both Canada and Venezuela are major producers of heavy crude, which is used by refineries designed to process heavier grades of oil.
Trump recently shared a news report on his Truth Social account suggesting that the Venezuela deal puts Canada “on notice” amid growing trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa.
Trump has also stepped up his criticism of Canada’s auto industry, urging Canadian companies to move their operations to the United States to avoid tariffs.
For decades, Canadian crude has maintained a strong position in the U.S. market, particularly as Venezuela’s oil production and exports declined. However, if Venezuela succeeds in restoring and expanding its oil production with increased investment, Canadian crude could face stronger competition in the American market in the years ahead.




