President Donald Trump on Monday laid out the first concrete timeline for expanded American oil operations in Venezuela — and, unsurprisingly, he’s thinking big, bold, and faster than the so-called experts usually allow.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump predicted that U.S. oil companies could be significantly expanded in Venezuela in less than 18 months, adding that it could happen even sooner if things move the way he expects. And yes, it will cost a lot of money — but this is the energy business, not a bake sale.
“A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent,” Trump said, noting that U.S. oil companies would front the investment and later be reimbursed either directly or through revenue. In other words, private industry does the heavy lifting, America wins, and the math actually makes sense — a refreshing change.
Trump’s comments come just days after the successful U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro, after which the president made it clear that America would have a presence in Venezuela “as it pertains to oil.” Translation: the era of socialist mismanagement is over, and adults are back in the room.
The president acknowledged that Venezuela’s oil infrastructure is in shambles — a predictable outcome after decades of socialism — and said American companies will need to rebuild it before fully tapping into the country’s massive oil reserves.
At the moment, Chevron is the only major U.S. oil company still operating in Venezuela. Industry giants ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil exited nearly 20 years ago after Hugo Chávez nationalized their assets, proving once again that nothing scares away investment faster than government theft.
“It’ll be a very substantial amount of money,” Trump said of the investment required. “But they’ll do very well.”
And, as Trump added — almost as an afterthought — “the country will do well.” Funny how that works when socialism takes a back seat.
Trump also made the broader point that a productive Venezuela benefits Americans directly by helping reduce oil prices. More supply, lower costs — basic economics that somehow still confuse Washington critics.
“Having a Venezuela that’s an oil producer is good for the United States because it keeps the price of oil down,” he said.
Administration officials confirmed that oil companies were not tipped off ahead of the military operation, though they were aware discussions were underway. Trump made it clear the planning was strategic, not cozy backroom coordination — despite what the outrage crowd might claim.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright is expected to meet this week with Exxon and ConocoPhillips executives to discuss Venezuelan oil, and he has been tasked with leading the effort to rebuild the country’s oil infrastructure.
Once again, Trump is pairing strength with strategy — restoring stability, opening markets, and putting American energy leadership front and center. It’s decisive, unapologetic, and exactly how real leadership gets results.
