On Monday, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated that former President Donald Trump enjoys immense popularity among Venezuelans. This remark was made during a White House event focused on expanding American investments in Venezuela’s oil sector.
During the event, where Wright was invited by Trump to highlight Venezuela as a rapid reconstruction success story, he portrayed the South American nation as one that "was on the wrong path for 25 years." He emphasized that "this president’s bold leadership altered the course of the country, reshaping the future for millions."
"American companies are rushing to invest in Venezuela," Wright added. "For 25 years, things went the wrong way. His bold leadership and innovative thinking changed everything."
At the same event, Trump boasted that the military operation in Venezuela took "exactly 48 minutes" and described the bilateral ties as "almost a partnership," noting that "hundreds of millions of barrels of oil are flowing out of Venezuela" for refining across various locations.
These comments come four months after the January 3, 2026, Operation Absolute Resolution, during which U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in Caracas. Following their capture, Delcy Rodríguez assumed the interim presidency of Venezuela as outlined by the Venezuelan Constitution.
Trump's popularity among Venezuelans is substantiated by surveys. A poll conducted by The Economist via Premise in January 2026 ranked Trump as the most popular political figure in Venezuela, surpassing Marco Rubio, María Corina Machado, and Edmundo González Urrutia.
Trump himself has frequently referenced this popularity. In March 2026, he jokingly suggested he might run for the Venezuelan presidency, and by April, he declared, "I'm leading the polls more than anyone in Venezuela's history."
Wright had previously visited Venezuela from February 11 to 13, becoming the highest-ranking U.S. official to do so since Maduro's capture, and signed a long-term energy agreement with Rodríguez. As part of this framework, the U.S. closely monitors oil investments in the country, with Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips spearheading efforts.
Venezuela agreed to allow the U.S. to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of heavy crude indefinitely. Chevron notably increased its exports of Venezuelan crude from 100,000 barrels a day in December 2025 to 300,000 by March 2026.
On April 30, Trump announced that American companies pledged investments exceeding $1.4 billion in Venezuela, projecting a 30-40% increase in oil production within the first year. That same day, American Airlines resumed direct flights between Miami and Caracas after nearly seven years of suspension.
In March, Trump summed up the situation: "I am the most supported person in the polls. After my presidency, I could run against Delcy in Venezuela. They like me there."
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Involvement in Venezuela
Why is Donald Trump considered popular in Venezuela?
Donald Trump is seen as popular in Venezuela due to his perceived role in altering the political landscape and economic prospects of the country, especially after the U.S. military's involvement in capturing Nicolás Maduro.
What was the outcome of Operation Absolute Resolution?
Operation Absolute Resolution resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, leading to Delcy Rodríguez's interim presidency. This operation significantly influenced U.S.-Venezuela relations.
How has U.S. investment impacted the Venezuelan oil sector?
U.S. investment has been pivotal in boosting Venezuela's oil production, with major companies like Chevron tripling their crude exports. This has been part of a broader strategy to stabilize and grow the Venezuelan economy.
What are the implications of the U.S.-Venezuela oil agreement?
The agreement allows the U.S. to refine and sell a significant volume of Venezuelan oil, fostering economic ties and potentially leading to increased energy stability for both nations.