7 months ago
Trump Assures Safety in Venezuela, Rules Out Putin Operation
President Trump met with oil company bosses and told them it's safe to invest in Venezuela now that the old leader, Nicolas Maduro, is gone.
He said the U.S. will protect their investments and that they might spend a lot of money to fix Venezuela's oil industry.
However, some oil company leaders are worried because Venezuela has been unstable and it might not be a good place to invest.
Trump also said he doesn't think the U.S. needs to capture Russian President Vladimir Putin like they did with Maduro.
He's disappointed about the war in Ukraine but thinks the U.S. has a good relationship with Putin.
In Venezuela, the new leader is Delcy Rodriguez, and the U.S. is talking to them about working together.
Additionally, oil companies and shipping firms are preparing to transfer Venezuelan oil to the U.S., facing challenges like old and poorly maintained vessels and onshore storage tanks.
Trump assures oil executives of safety and security in Venezuela for investments, framing the effort as a priority for economic and political stability.
ExxonMobil CEO calls Venezuela 'uninvestable' due to instability and tumult, cautioning against private investment.
Trump rules out a Maduro-style operation against Putin, citing a good relationship and expressing disappointment over the ongoing Ukraine war.
Venezuela's new president is Delcy Rodriguez, and the U.S. is exploring diplomatic ties and protecting Venezuelan oil revenue from judicial proceedings.
Oil companies (Chevron, Vitol, Trafigura) and shipping firms (Maersk Tankers, American Eagle Tankers, AET) are preparing to transfer Venezuelan oil to the U.S., facing challenges with old vessels and onshore storage tanks.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Oil company executives (ExxonMobil, Chevron, Vitol, Trafigura), Shipping companies (Maersk Tankers, American Eagle Tankers, AET)
- What
- Trump assures safety in Venezuela for oil investments, rules out Maduro-style operation against Putin, signs executive order to protect Venezuelan oil revenue, oil companies and shipping firms prepare to transfer Venezuelan oil
- Where
- White House, Washington, DC; Caracas, Venezuela; Amuay Bay, Venezuela; Aruba and Curacao
- When
- January 2026 (operation), January 9 (oil transfer discussions)
- Why
- To ensure economic and political stability in Venezuela, protect oil revenue from judicial proceedings, and facilitate the transfer of Venezuelan oil to the U.S.
Pro-Investment
Cautious
Investment in Venezuela
Pro-Investment
Trump assures oil executives of safety and security for investments in Venezuela, framing the effort as a priority for economic and political stability.
Cautious
Top oil company executives, including ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods, caution that the instability and tumult in Venezuela make it 'uninvestable' and less attractive for private investment.
Key facts
- US President
- Donald Trump
- Ousted Venezuelan President
- Nicolas Maduro
- New Venezuelan President
- Delcy Rodriguez
- Investment Amount
- $100 billion
- US Operation Location
- Caracas, Venezuela
- US Operation Date
- January 2026
- US Operation Casualties
- 100 killed, 100 wounded
- Putin's Status
- Facing ICC arrest warrant
- Executive Order Purpose
- Protect Venezuelan oil revenue from judicial proceedings
- Oil Companies Involved
- Chevron, Vitol, Trafigura
- Shipping Companies Involved
- Maersk Tankers, American Eagle Tankers, AET
Timeline
US captures Maduro; relations thaw.
Trump announces arrest, prisoner release.
Investment safe, US oil firms told.
Trump reassures big oil, offers protection.
Potential $100B investment on the table.
Quotes
Darren Woods
CEO of ExxonMobil Corp
“We've had our assets seized there twice and so, you can imagine, to re-enter a third time would require some pretty significant changes.”
livemint.com
“If we look at the legal and commercial constructs and frameworks in place today in Venezuela -- today, it's uninvestable.”
livemint.com
Sources
Exclusive-US may lift more Venezuela sanctions next week, Bessent says
‘I have a great relationship with him’: Trump says Maduro-style operation against Putin ‘not necessary’
Trump pushes oil giants to invest in Venezuela, but companies remain unconvinced
Trump Signs Order To Protect Venezuelan Oil Revenue From Seizure
Companies scramble to secure ships, assemble operations to transfer Venezuelan oil, sources say
Will US capture Russian President Vladimir Putin like Nicolas Maduro? Trump responds
Exxon CEO calls Venezuela 'uninvestable', but trusts Trump to fix legal safeties
You're Dealing With Us Directly, Not Venezuela : Trump Tells Global Oil And Gas Executives
Trump Signs Executive Order To Protect US-Held Money From Venezuela Oil
Trump Signs Order to Protect Funds From Venezuelan Oil
Why Exxon Mobil CEO called Venezuela ‘uninvestable’ — ‘What will returns look like?’
US may lift more Venezuela sanctions next week, Bessent says
Donald Trump signs executive order meant to protect money from Venezuelan oil
‘Leave Venezuela immediately’: US urges Americans citing severe risks
'I HOPE THEY NEVER FORGET!': President Donald Trump Says Venezuela Is Releasing Political Prisoners After US Military Action
US may lift more Venezuela sanctions next week, Scott Bessent says



