U.S. Oil Companies Condition Trump On Investment In Venezuela

• 8.01.2026, 13:57

U.S. businesses want clear guarantees.

US oil companies are demanding legal and financial guarantees from President Donald Trump's administration to invest in Venezuela's oil sector.

The Financial Times reports.

American businesses are concerned about Washington's proactive actions on Venezuela and Trump's calls for support for his initiative to reform global energy markets.

On Wednesday, January 7, U.S. officials held talks with the heads of leading oil companies in Miami. In addition, the heads of the country's largest energy groups will meet with Trump at the White House tomorrow, January 9.

Sources told the publication that the executives want clear guarantees of investment protection before putting money into a country with high political and legal risks.

U.S. Oil Companies Worry

Trump has previously promised "reparations from us or through earnings" to U.S. oil companies if they invest in Venezuela, but those remain cautious.

"Nobody wants to go there when a random tweet could change the whole foreign policy of the country," a private equity investor specializing in energy told the FT.

At the same time, US oil executives doubt a quick recovery in Venezuela's oil sector. They take into account political risks, an unstable legal environment and low global oil prices.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States will sell Venezuelan oil "indefinitely." He said the proceeds would benefit the Venezuelan people through U.S. government-controlled accounts.