Trump Calls for $100 B Private Investment to Rebuild Venezuela’s Oil Industry After Maduro’s Ouster
Updated (4 articles)
Trump’s $100 B private‑sector plan targets rapid oil‑field revival President Trump announced a private‑funded, $100 billion program to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, promising that the United States would provide security but no direct financing [2][3][4]. He linked the effort to lower U.S. gasoline prices and to expand American energy influence in the region [3][4]. The timeline envisions an 18‑month sprint to restore production, with expectations that daily output could rise to about 3 million barrels within eight to twelve years [3]. Trump emphasized that firms would deal directly with the United States rather than the ousted Maduro regime [2][4].
ExxonMobil’s chief labels Venezuela “uninvestable” under current rules ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods told reporters that Venezuela’s commercial and legal framework remains hostile, citing two historic asset seizures and demanding durable investment protections [1][2][3][4]. Woods warned that without substantial changes to hydrocarbon laws, Exxon would not re‑enter the market, describing the situation as “today it’s uninvestable” [2][3]. Trump responded by hinting he could sideline Exxon if the company fails to show sufficient enthusiasm, signaling a possible preference for other bidders [1]. Other executives echoed Woods’ concerns, noting that legal certainty is a prerequisite for any large‑scale commitment [1][2].
Chevron, Repsol and other firms show conditional interest while the U.S. controls oil sales Chevron, the only major U.S. firm still operating in Venezuela, pledged to boost production if political and legal conditions improve [2]. Spain’s Repsol indicated it could triple its Venezuelan output under similar assurances [2]. The administration plans to selectively ease sanctions and coordinate oil‑sale revenues with interim authorities led by Vice‑President Delcy Rodríguez, keeping ultimate control in U.S. hands [2]. Analysts warned that even a $100 billion pool would require sustained stability and clear incentives before firms commit significant capital [1][2].
Diplomatic overtures and safety guarantees accompany the oil push Following the January 9 raid that ousted Maduro, the United States seized several Venezuelan tankers and announced control over 30‑50 million barrels of previously sanctioned crude [3][4]. Trump pledged “total safety” for investors, stating they would be protected by the United States and would negotiate with the interim government, not the former regime [4]. He also signaled upcoming meetings with opposition leader María Corina Machado and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, while a small U.S. delegation assesses reopening the embassy in Caracas [3]. These diplomatic moves aim to solidify a new regional alignment that supports the oil‑investment agenda [3].
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Trump pushes US oil firms to rebuild Venezuela’s oil sector, hints Exxon may be sidelined – Details Trump’s pressure on firms, the $100 billion timeline, and his threat to exclude Exxon if it remains hesitant, while noting Bolton’s call for rule‑of‑law guarantees .
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2.
BBC: Trump seeks $100bn for Venezuela oil, but Exxon boss says country ‘uninvestable’ – Highlights the $100 billion push, Exxon’s “uninvestable” warning, Chevron and Repsol’s conditional growth plans, and the U.S. strategy to control oil sales via interim authorities .
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3.
AP: Trump urges oil executives to invest in Venezuela as U.S. seeks $100 billion – Emphasizes private‑funded investment, post‑raid oil‑security goals, Woods’ legal‑framework critique, and diplomatic steps including Machado talks and embassy reopening .
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4.
King5: Trump seeks $100 billion Venezuela oil investment with safety pledge after Maduro ouster – Focuses on the rapid investment call, U.S. seizure of tankers, Exxon’s caution, Trump’s safety guarantee for investors, and ongoing diplomatic outreach to restore relations .
Timeline
Early Jan 2026 – The United States conducts a military raid that ousts President Nicolás Maduro, seizes Venezuelan oil tankers and assumes control of 30‑50 million barrels of previously sanctioned crude, signaling a shift toward direct U.S. management of Venezuela’s oil exports[3].
Jan 9, 2026 – President Trump convenes a White House roundtable and urges major oil firms to commit roughly $100 billion of private capital to rebuild Venezuela’s oil sector, pledging “total safety” and stressing that investors will deal with the United States, not the Maduro regime[4].
Jan 9, 2026 – ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods warns that “today it’s uninvestable,” citing Venezuela’s fragile legal framework, past asset seizures and the need for durable investment protections before any re‑entry[4].
Jan 9, 2026 – Chevron remains the sole major American operator in Venezuela and announces plans to increase output, while Spain’s Repsol signals it could triple its Venezuelan production if political and legal conditions improve[1].
Jan 9, 2026 – U.S. officials outline a selective sanctions rollback coordinated with interim Vice‑President Delcy Rodríguez, while retaining U.S. control over oil sales and revenue to preserve leverage over the Venezuelan government[1].
Jan 10, 2026 – Trump reiterates that the $100 billion plan will be funded entirely by private oil companies, with no government money, and frames the effort as a way to lower U.S. gasoline prices and expand American energy influence[3].
Jan 10, 2026 – Energy Secretary Chris Wright projects that Venezuelan crude production could rise to about 3 million barrels per day within eight to twelve years, up from current levels well below 1 million bpd[3].
Jan 10, 2026 – A small U.S. diplomatic team travels to Caracas to assess the feasibility of reopening the U.S. Embassy, marking the first concrete step toward restoring formal relations[3].
Jan 10, 2026 – Trump announces he will meet opposition leader María Corina Machado the following week and hints at subsequent talks with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, indicating a broader regional realignment after Maduro’s ouster[3].
Jan 12, 2026 – At a second White House event, Trump urges U.S. oil majors to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, notes that many firms have already expressed interest, and says he may sideline Exxon if it does not increase its enthusiasm[2].
Jan 12, 2026 – Woods repeats that Venezuela remains “uninvestable” under current conditions, stresses the need for legal and commercial reforms, and adds that Exxon would deploy a technical team if invited and provided security guarantees[2].
Jan 12, 2026 – Former National Security Advisor John Bolton warns investors will only commit if a regime with the rule of law and durable protections emerges, casting doubt on the feasibility of an 18‑month, $100 billion rebuild effort[2].
Mid‑Jan 2026 (planned) – The administration targets an 18‑month timeline to mobilize $100 billion of private investment and rapidly rebuild Venezuela’s oil sector, contingent on political stability and legal certainty[2].