Trump publicly rejects Exxon’s Venezuela approach On Air Force One, President Trump told reporters he is “inclined to keep ExxonMobil out of Venezuela,” criticizing the company’s “playing too cute” response to the country’s political shift [1][2]. He made the comment after a Friday meeting with oil executives where the administration emphasized direct U.S. deals rather than Venezuelan‑government contracts. The remark aligns with the White House’s broader effort to limit private firms’ exposure to Venezuelan sanctions risks.

Exxon chief declares Venezuelan oil sector uninvestable Darren Woods told the same executive group that the existing commercial constructs and legal frameworks in Venezuela render the market “uninvestable” under current conditions [1][2][3]. Woods’ assessment reflects investor hesitation amid Maduro’s ouster, nationalized assets, and ongoing U.S. sanctions. ExxonMobil has not issued a follow‑up comment since the meeting, underscoring the unsettled policy environment.

Executive order shields Venezuelan oil proceeds from lawsuits Trump signed an order on Jan 9 that bars private judicial seizures of Venezuelan oil revenue, citing the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act [3][1][2]. The directive declares the oil money as Venezuelan property held by the United States for diplomatic purposes, aiming to preserve economic stability and prevent litigation‑driven disruptions. Critics note the order expands executive authority over foreign sovereign assets.

White House frames Venezuela as an economic project The administration has seized tankers carrying Venezuelan crude and announced control over the sale of tens of millions of barrels of previously sanctioned oil [1][2][3]. Officials describe the strategy as managing revenue streams to support U.S. interests while limiting the Maduro regime’s financing. This economic‑centric approach signals a long‑term U.S. role in Venezuela’s oil market, beyond traditional sanctions enforcement.