Shea Levin — text status

A major oil trading company secured a lucrative Venezuelan oil contract after one of its traders, an early supporter of Vice President JD Vance, reportedly used his political connections to gain access to senior administration officials, according to Reuters. Vitol trader John Addison allegedly discussed Venezuelan oil with Vance shortly before the U.S. operation that captured Nicolás Maduro. Days later, Energy Secretary Chris Wright contacted Addison, and Vitol secured the contract without competitive bidding. Vance and Addison deny the reported meeting.