Trump Orders Private Oil Investment in Venezuela Amid Executive Skepticism and Political Tensions
Updated (2 articles)
Trump Claims Personal Authority Over U.S. Oil Access President Donald Trump told a White House gathering of energy CEOs that he will personally select which U.S. companies may operate in Venezuela to rebuild its oil sector, linking the effort to private capital that firms would fund themselves [1][2]. Executives responded cautiously and did not pledge participation, with no firm commitments recorded [1][2].
Big Oil Executives Express Deep Investment Reservations ExxonMobil chief Darren Woods labeled the venture “uninvestible” under current legal and security conditions [1][2]. Leaders from ConocoPhillips and Chevron stressed the need for extensive security guarantees and regulatory permits before committing [2]. Harold Hamm, a major Trump donor, warned that substantial assurances are required for any large‑scale investment [2]. No binding financing or timelines were agreed upon [1][2].
Venezuelan Political Moves Parallel Energy Negotiations Venezuela released at least nine political prisoners, a fraction of the detainees, after U.S. demands [1]. The United States also indicted Nicolás Maduro Guerra on cocaine‑import and weapons charges, which he denied [1]. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez appealed to Brazil, Colombia and Spain, condemning what she called U.S. criminal aggression [1]. These diplomatic actions are viewed as leverage concurrent with the oil discussions [1].
Administration Sets $100 B Long‑Term Reconstruction Target White House officials described the $100 billion investment goal as a long‑term trajectory rather than an immediate payout [2][1]. They emphasized that rebuilding Venezuela’s oil output will take years and depend on political stability [2]. Trump also reiterated a hard‑line stance on Greenland, signaling a broader regional leverage strategy [1].
Sources
-
1.
CNN: Trump presses oil executives on Venezuela plan as firms weigh deals and regional tensions rise: Details Trump’s personal decision claim, executives’ cautious responses, prisoner releases, Maduro Guerra indictment, and Greenland stance.
-
2.
CNN: Trump's Venezuela oil push faces industry skepticism from Big Oil: Focuses on executives’ skepticism, Woods’ “uninvestible” comment, security guarantee demands, Harold Hamm’s warning, Chevron’s conditional output hopes, and the $100 billion long‑term goal.
Timeline
2025 – Nicolás Maduro is ousted from Venezuela, prompting U.S. demands for the release of political prisoners as a condition for diplomatic engagement [2].
2025 – The United States indicts Nicolás Maduro Guerra, son of the former president, on charges of cocaine‑import conspiracy and weapons offenses, which he publicly rejects [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – The interim Venezuelan government releases at least nine political prisoners, a small fraction of those detained, in response to longstanding U.S. pressure and as a potential opening for negotiations [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – President Trump convenes a White House meeting with senior oil executives, telling them he will personally select which U.S. firms may operate in Venezuela and emphasizing that private capital must fund the sector’s revival [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods declares Venezuela “uninvestible” under current legal and security conditions, noting that new frameworks are needed before any returns can be assessed [1][2].
Jan 9, 2026 – Oil investor Harold Hamm warns that any reinvestment in Venezuela requires substantial assurances and a long‑term commitment, signaling he will not back the plan without robust guarantees [1].
Jan 9, 2026 – Chevron indicates that output could rise if the administration grants the necessary permits, but treats the prospect as contingent on political and regulatory guarantees [1].
Jan 9, 2026 – Energy Secretary Chris Wright notes strong industry interest but confirms no binding financing or timelines have been secured, underscoring the gap between rhetoric and concrete deals [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – Acting President Delcy Rodríguez contacts leaders in Brazil, Colombia and Spain to denounce what she calls “serious criminal aggression” by the United States and to discuss reopening embassies, framing the diplomatic push as a response to U.S. actions [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – Trump reiterates his hard‑line stance on Greenland, saying he will pursue a “hard way” if a deal cannot be reached easily, linking the approach to broader regional leverage alongside the Venezuela oil initiative [2].
2026 onward – The White House outlines a $100 billion investment trajectory for rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector, describing it as a long‑term goal rather than an immediate outcome and signaling that industry reinvestment will unfold over several years [1].
2026 onward – Trump signals he will decide which U.S. oil firms are permitted to enter Venezuela, implying future selective approvals based on security and financial guarantees [2].
2026 onward – Industry executives state that any substantial reinvestment will require extensive security guarantees and financial assurances before committing capital to Venezuelan projects [1].