URGENT UPDATE: Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin made significant stock purchases just days before the U.S. executed a high-profile operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Financial filings reviewed by Quiver Quantitative reveal that Mullin bought shares in Chevron Corporation and RTX Corporation on December 29, 2025, just days before Maduro’s capture on January 3, 2026.
This revelation raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest, as Mullin purchased between $15,001 and $50,000 in shares for each company. The transactions were publicly disclosed on January 16, 2026. Mullin, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, plays a crucial role in overseeing U.S. military policy and national security matters.
Chevron’s operations are directly influenced by U.S. sanctions and policies regarding Venezuela, while RTX, a major defense contractor, benefits from U.S. military procurement. Since Mullin’s stock purchases, Chevron’s shares have surged by approximately 10.1% and RTX shares have risen by about 9.5%, significantly outperforming a stagnant S&P 500.
In early December, Mullin publicly defended the Trump administration’s hardline stance against Venezuela, asserting that U.S. troops would not be deployed within the country. He stated, “He’s made it very clear we’re not going to put troops into Venezuela,” during an interview on CNN’s State of the Union. He emphasized that the administration’s focus was on maritime and aerial enforcement, claiming, “What we’re trying to do is protect our own shores.”
Furthermore, Mullin supported U.S. military actions against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, downplaying legal concerns. “Why do we care if we take them out in international waters?” he asked in the same interview.
Mullin also revealed that the Trump administration had extended an opportunity for Maduro to leave Venezuela voluntarily, stating, “We told him he could go to Russia or another country.” This pressure tactic aimed to force Maduro’s exit and that of senior regime officials.
As this situation continues to unfold, the implications of Mullin’s investments and the U.S. operation against Maduro will be closely monitored. The potential for further developments in U.S.-Venezuelan relations remains high, making this an urgent story to follow.
