Trump Pushes US Oil Giants Back Into Venezuela

White House pitches post Maduro oil sector revival as major opportunity

January 10, 2026: President Donald Trump has urged major American oil companies to quickly return to Venezuela, calling its oil sector a major investment opportunity after a recent US military operation that led to the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro. He said Washington aims to attract up to 100 billion dollars to revive infrastructure and boost production.

Trump announced that the United States has seized multiple Venezuelan oil tankers and will take long term control of international crude sales. He said between 30 million and 50 million barrels previously frozen under sanctions would now be sold under US oversight to prevent corruption and secure strategic interests.

At a White House meeting oil majors including Exxon Mobil and Chevron were invited to help rebuild Venezuela’s energy infrastructure. Trump also highlighted a deal to ship 50 million barrels of crude to US refineries saying it would stabilise supplies and help lower fuel prices.