Trump Administration Considers Private Contractors to Guard Venezuelan Oil Facilities
Updated (2 articles)
Administration Explores Contractor‑Based Oil Security The Trump administration is evaluating private military contractors to protect Venezuela’s oil and energy facilities instead of deploying U.S. troops [1]. The plan aims to provide long‑term security for operations lasting years, not just months [1]. Officials say the approach would reassure oil companies considering reinvestment while avoiding a permanent ground presence [1].
DoD Issues Request for Information to Contractors The Department of Defense released a formal Request for Information assessing contractors’ capability to support potential U.S. actions in Venezuela [1]. Contractors are also coordinating with the State Department’s overseas building operations office regarding security for a possible embassy reopening [1]. This outreach remains in a preliminary stage, with no contracts awarded yet [1].
Potential Firms Include Grey Bull Rescue Foundation Among the candidates, Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, composed of former U.S. special‑forces veterans active in the region, is viewed as a likely provider [1]. Their experience in Venezuelan‑adjacent security operations positions them for the oil‑asset mission [1]. The group’s involvement underscores the administration’s preference for specialized, low‑profile forces [1].
Erik Prince Mentioned as Possible Participant Sources indicate that Erik Prince, founder of the former private‑security firm Blackwater, could be tapped for the operation given his regional logistics background [1]. Prince declined to comment when approached by CNN [1]. His potential role highlights the administration’s willingness to consider high‑profile contractors.
Oil Companies Express Skepticism Over Reinvestment Major oil executives, including ExxonMobil’s CEO Darren Woods, describe the Venezuelan market as currently uninvestable, citing security and operational risks [1]. President Trump has signaled reluctance to involve Exxon in the contractor plan [1]. Analysts warn that without credible security guarantees, oil firms may remain hesitant to return [1].
Timeline
2016 – Donald Trump repeatedly threatens to invade Mexico or attack drug cartels during his presidential campaign, establishing a rhetoric that later resurfaces in his administration’s diplomatic posture [2].
Early Jan 2026 – The United States conducts a limited military operation in Venezuela, heightening regional security concerns and prompting Mexican officials to assess the risk of U.S. intervention on their soil [2].
Jan 5, 2026 – President Claudia Sheinbaum tells reporters she does not see a risk of U.S. military intervention, emphasizing ongoing coordination with Washington and rejecting any foreign‑military solution to organized crime [2].
Jan 5, 2026 – Mexican authorities increase cooperation with the United States—escalating cartel arrests, drug seizures, extraditions, and accepting more deportees—to make any unilateral U.S. invasion strategically costly [2].
Jan 5, 2026 – Security analysts label Trump’s anti‑cartel threats a “negotiation weapon” likely to persist as leverage in upcoming U.S.–Mexico–Canada trade talks [2].
Jan 15, 2026 – The Trump administration explores hiring private security contractors, rather than deploying troops, to protect Venezuela’s oil facilities, issuing a DoD Request for Information and engaging the State Department’s overseas building office [1].
Jan 15, 2026 – Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, a veteran‑run firm active in the region, emerges as a leading candidate to secure Venezuelan oil assets under the private‑contractor plan [1].
Jan 15, 2026 – Erik Prince is mentioned as a possible participant; he tells CNN he will not comment on the proposal [1].
Jan 15, 2026 – ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods describes Venezuela’s market as “uninvestable” in its current state, signaling major oil companies’ reluctance to re‑enter without robust security guarantees [1].
2026 (ongoing) – The United States plans to reopen its embassy in Venezuela, contingent on private‑security arrangements that could provide the necessary protection for diplomatic staff [1].
2026 (anticipated) – Negotiations to revise the U.S.–Mexico–Canada trade agreement are slated for later in the year, a process analysts say will keep Trump’s military‑threat rhetoric in play as a bargaining chip [2].