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Trump's Strategy in Venezuela: Overhauling Oil Policies and Reshaping PDVSA

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 by James Rodriguez

Trump's Strategy in Venezuela: Overhauling Oil Policies and Reshaping PDVSA
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The Trump administration is collaborating with the newly appointed Venezuelan authorities to implement a transformative political reform aimed at revamping the entire structure of the state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA).

According to insiders involved in the process, the primary goal is to ensure transparency, attract international investment, and boost oil production, which has significantly dwindled due to years of corruption and declining revenues.

A Reuters report indicates that this initiative has the backing of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and is a component of the transition plan advocated by Washington following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the provisional presidency of Delcy Rodríguez.

The proposal aims to detach PDVSA's technical management from the political interests of the chavismo regime, alongside a review of contracts signed over the last decade with allies such as Russia, Iran, and China.

Simultaneously, the establishment of a new regulatory framework is anticipated, allowing American and European companies to engage in the energy sector's reconstruction under international oversight.

As reported by Reuters, oil industry sources confirmed that the White House is considering making future agreements contingent on fiscal transparency commitments and respect for democratic institutions.

The plan also includes a comprehensive audit of PDVSA and the dismantling of parallel structures used to siphon funds during Maduro's rule.

This strategy aligns with Trump's broader efforts to stabilize Venezuela through a supervised economic transition, with oil once again becoming the cornerstone of national reconstruction.

Trump's Venezuela Oil Reform Plan: Key Questions

What are the main goals of the proposed reform for PDVSA?

The reform aims to enhance transparency, attract international investments, and revive oil production after years of corruption and reduced revenues.

How does the reform plan to separate PDVSA from political interests?

The plan intends to detach the technical management of PDVSA from the political agendas of the chavismo regime and reassess contracts with key allies.

What role do international companies play in the reform?

International companies, particularly from the U.S. and Europe, are expected to participate in rebuilding Venezuela's energy sector within a new regulatory framework.

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