URGENT UPDATE: Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin purchased shares in Chevron Corporation and RTX Corporation just days before the United States executed a critical operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Financial disclosures reviewed by Quiver Quantitative reveal that Mullin acquired between $15,001 and $50,000 in shares of each company on December 29, 2025, a mere five days before Maduro’s capture on January 3, 2026.
This high-profile operation is part of an intensified U.S. strategy to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government. Mullin’s transactions were made public on January 16, 2026, raising eyebrows given his role on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which oversees U.S. defense and military policy. The timing of these investments has sparked discussions about potential conflicts of interest and insider trading.
Chevron, heavily impacted by U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, stands to benefit from any shifts in U.S. policy. The stock has surged approximately 10.1% since Mullin’s purchase, while RTX, a key defense contractor, has seen its shares increase by 9.5%, outperforming a largely stagnant S&P 500 in that timeframe.
Earlier this month, Mullin defended the Trump administration’s escalating actions against Venezuela during a CNN interview, asserting that U.S. ground troops would not be deployed. “He’s made it very clear we’re not going to put troops into Venezuela,” Mullin stated, emphasizing a focus on maritime and aerial enforcement. He further backed military strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking, downplaying concerns over their legality.
Mullin also revealed that the Trump administration had previously offered Maduro the opportunity to leave Venezuela voluntarily, mentioning that options included relocating to Russia or another country. “We told him he could go to Russia or another country,” he said, underlining the administration’s strategy of leveraging pressure on Maduro and his regime.
As this situation evolves, the implications of Mullin’s investments and the U.S. military’s actions in Venezuela are critical to watch. The unfolding dynamics could reshape U.S.-Venezuelan relations and impact global oil markets, making it more urgent than ever for citizens to stay informed about these developments.
Follow for immediate updates as this story progresses.