On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to announce that the relationship between Washington and Venezuela has been "exceptional." He declared that oil is beginning to flow between the two nations, marking a significant shift in energy and diplomatic policies with the South American country.
In his message, Trump celebrated what he described as progress in bilateral cooperation, noting that the Venezuelan oil flow is starting to generate "substantial revenue, unseen in years," and assured that these funds "will greatly benefit the people of Venezuela."
"The relationship between Venezuela and the United States has been, to put it mildly, extraordinary!" Trump stated. “We are having excellent dealings with President Delcy Rodríguez and her representatives. The oil is starting to flow…”
Trump also commended his team, highlighting the efforts of Marco Rubio and other representatives who are doing "a fantastic job." However, he cautioned that these efforts reflect only the formal stance of the U.S. government and that no one should act on the country's behalf without the State Department's approval.
He referred to an article from The Wall Street Journal mentioning an individual named Harry Sargeant III, an energy tycoon, clarifying that this person "has no authority whatsoever to act on behalf of the United States of America, nor does anyone else who has not been approved by the State Department."
The remarks come amid a profound reconfiguration of U.S.-Venezuela relations, driven by a strong American interest in Venezuelan oil resources after years of sanctions that had crippled the Caribbean nation's export capacity.
Images shared on social media platform X depict U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright alongside interim President Delcy Rodríguez, inspecting joint exploration and production facilities of Chevron and PDVSA in Venezuela, signaling cooperation in the energy sector.
Wright arrived in Caracas on Wednesday for a visit deemed strategic in advancing plans to reactivate the Caribbean country's oil industry under Trump's vision.
Hours later, he was welcomed by Rodríguez in the presidential office at the Palacio de Miraflores.
Chavista official accounts stated that the meeting aimed to review an energy agenda "beneficial for both nations," within the framework of Venezuela's energy sovereignty and the historical bilateral relations.
The presence of high-ranking U.S. representatives in Caracas is part of a rapprochement strategy that includes not only trade exchange but also the revitalization of a severely sanctioned Venezuelan oil industry, plagued by poor management and a lack of foreign investment.
In Caracas, Secretary Wright remarked that the embargo on Venezuelan oil has "essentially ended," following discussions with Rodríguez about legal reforms to attract investments and collaborate on energy production.
The energy exchange between Washington and Caracas signifies a major shift in hemispheric policy, especially after the capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro in January, a pivotal event that transformed the relationship between the two countries and opened the door to a new phase combining political pressure with economic interests linked to oil.
Key Questions About U.S.-Venezuela Oil Relations
What prompted the renewed oil trade between the U.S. and Venezuela?
The renewed oil trade was prompted by a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Venezuela, driven by a strong interest in Venezuelan oil resources, following years of sanctions that had restricted the country's export capacity.
Who is overseeing the U.S. energy strategy with Venezuela?
U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright is overseeing the energy strategy with Venezuela, including visits to joint facilities and discussions on legal reforms to enhance investment and production.
How has the capture of Nicolás Maduro affected U.S.-Venezuela relations?
The capture of Nicolás Maduro in January was a pivotal event that transformed U.S.-Venezuela relations, opening the door to a new phase that blends political pressure with economic interests related to oil.