Trump promises oil executives ‘total safety’ if they invest in Venezuela

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump met with oil executives at the White House to encourage them to invest in Venezuela's oil sector. Trump promised "total safety" for their investments, assuring them they would deal directly with the US government, not Venezuela. He stated that the US is seeking $100 billion in investments from major oil companies to revive Venezuela's oil production capabilities. The meeting followed the US seizure of multiple tankers linked to Venezuelan oil, signaling the US government's intent to control the country's oil sector. Seventeen companies, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips, were invited to the meeting.

According to a news report published on January 8, 2026, US oil companies ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips have been lobbying for regime change in Venezuela for years. The report alleges that Donald Trump informed these companies before deploying the military against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The article suggests the motivation behind Trump's actions in Venezuela was related to the country's oil reserves. The location of these events is Venezuela and the United States. The report implies that the US's interest in Venezuelan oil is a key factor driving US foreign policy in the region.

Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces, President Trump has stated that major US oil companies will invest billions to rebuild Venezuela's oil infrastructure. Trump and Secretary of State Rubio have expressed confidence in this investment, but have not provided specific details. The White House claims to have had conversations with oil companies, but hasn't named them. The American Petroleum Institute stated they are "closely watching" developments, emphasizing the importance of stability and the rule of law for investment decisions. ConocoPhillips also stated they are monitoring the situation, but that it is too early to speculate on future investments. Experts suggest caution is warranted due to high costs and limited profit potential.

Donald Trump predicts that US oil companies will invest billions in Venezuela to revitalize its oil production within 18 months after Nicolás Maduro's removal. However, industry experts are skeptical, citing the need for US government guarantees to offset the high risks and costs associated with rebuilding Venezuela's damaged oil infrastructure. Major US oil companies like ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron have not confirmed any investment plans. Analysts estimate it could take at least three years to significantly increase production, with initial efforts focused on securing contracts and reconstruction before any meaningful output increase. Experts suggest that while interest in Venezuelan oil exists, the appetite for heavy investment remains low due to the country's uncertain future.

Following a hypothetical military operation removing Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, President Trump claims US oil companies could be operational there within 18 months. He suggests the companies would be reimbursed for their investments by the US government or through revenue generated. Trump believes increased Venezuelan oil production would benefit the US by lowering oil prices. However, analysts are skeptical, citing the need for a stable government, the high costs involved, and the time required to restore Venezuela's oil output. Chevron, the only US firm currently operating in Venezuela, stated it remains focused on employee safety and compliance with regulations. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, but its production has declined significantly.

Venezuela faces a potential economic collapse in 2026 due to a U.S. blockade on its energy exports. Internal government projections estimate a 70% drop in oil production this year, crippling the country's primary revenue source. The U.S. is targeting tankers carrying Venezuelan crude, paralyzing exports and forcing the state oil company, PDVSA, to use storage tanks as temporary holding. Storage capacity is expected to run out by the end of January, leading to a rapid production decline from 1.2 million to under 300,000 barrels per day. This drastic reduction would severely limit Venezuela's ability to import goods and maintain essential services. The U.S. Secretary of State stated that sanctions would remain until Venezuela opens its oil industry to foreign investment.

Following President Trump's promise to seize Venezuela's oil reserves after abducting President Maduro, experts cite significant challenges to increasing production. Venezuela holds the world's largest oil reserves, but its current output is a fraction of its peak due to years of underinvestment, mismanagement, and US sanctions. Restoring production would require substantial investment and time, given the deteriorated state of the country's oil infrastructure and corruption within the state oil company, PDVSA. Analysts suggest that despite the potential for increased supply by lifting sanctions, a return to peak production levels is unlikely in the near future. The global oil market has reacted minimally, anticipating little change in Venezuelan output.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the U.S. will maintain a military presence near Venezuela to enforce sanctions and prevent sanctioned oil tankers from operating there. This "quarantine" aims to exert leverage on Venezuela's leadership and serve U.S. interests. Rubio indicated that President Trump hasn't ruled out deploying U.S. troops to Venezuela if deemed necessary. The U.S. is focused on Venezuela's oil industry, suggesting the administration wants the acting leader, Delcy Rodríguez, to allow American companies to invest and operate there under favorable conditions. Rubio stated that Venezuela needs private investment to revive its oil industry, which is currently under U.S. sanctions and government control. Chevron is currently the only U.S. oil company operating in Venezuela.