The United States is positioned to play a major role in revitalizing Venezuela's energy sector after a significant political transition in the South American country. This development was outlined by President Donald Trump, who revealed that major US oil enterprises are mobilizing resources for substantial investments into Venezuela's oil industry once President Nicolas Maduro is removed from power.
Trump emphasized the strategic intent to rebuild Venezuela's extensive but neglected oil infrastructure. As one of the founding members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Venezuela possesses the largest proven oil reserves worldwide, estimated at approximately 303 billion barrels, which represent around 17% of the global total.
Currently, Chevron stands as the only major US oil corporation actively engaged in Venezuelan oil operations. The company reportedly shipped roughly 140,000 barrels per day as of the fourth quarter of 2025. Chevron has publicly committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel and safeguarding its assets amid the evolving political and security landscape, according to company disclosures shared with CNBC.
Following a significant military operation, US forces have apprehended President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both individuals face indictments on drug trafficking charges in the Southern District of New York. These events mark a critical inflection point in Venezuela's political trajectory and its relations with the United States.
President Trump disclosed that the United States, in conjunction with an unspecified coalition, will temporarily administer Venezuela. Details about the transitional governance structure remain sparse, though this announcement coincides with a period of heightened US military presence in the Caribbean region.
Despite existing sanctions that have kept Venezuelan oil largely embargoed from American markets, Trump clarified that US oil firms will finance the modernization and repair of Venezuela’s crude infrastructure directly. The administration pledges reimbursement for these reconstruction expenditures, signaling a financial framework intended to incentivize corporate investment and operational involvement in the restoration effort.
"They will be reimbursed for what they are doing," Trump stated. He further remarked, "We are going to get the oil flowing the way it should be. We will be selling large amounts of oil to several countries; many are current consumers, but new buyers are expected to emerge." This suggests a forecasted increase in production and diversification of export markets once Venezuelan oil output recovers.
The significance of this initiative is underscored by Venezuela's steep decline in oil output over the past decades. From its peak production era in the late 1990s to the present day, output has diminished notably. Currently, Venezuela produces around 800,000 barrels per day, which pales in comparison to the United States' production of approximately 13.8 million barrels per day.
This targeted infusion of investment could act as a catalyst for rejuvenating Venezuela’s oil industry, potentially catalyzing broader economic recovery. However, the complexity of the geopolitical environment, ongoing sanctions, and transitional governance arrangements will influence the trajectory of this endeavor moving forward.