• President Donald Trump plans a visit to Venezuela, with details pending, as the US oversees oil production and stabilization following military strikes that ousted Nicolás Maduro in early 2026.
  • The US aims to boost Venezuelan oil output through investments, countering Chinese influence and lowering global energy costs, despite opposition from some domestic producers.
  • Stabilization efforts include selling seized oil to fund recovery, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright planning a near-term visit and Trump open to occupation reimbursed by oil revenue.

President Donald Trump announced plans to visit Venezuela, though the timing remains undecided, according to people familiar with the matter. This comes amid an ongoing US-led intervention that began with military strikes on January 2, 2026, targeting Maduro's forces, drug routes, and securing oil access. The operation ousted Maduro, who was captured on drug charges, positioning the US to oversee Venezuelan oil production and stabilization.

Efforts to restructure Venezuela's economy have centered on oil, with revenue earmarked for Venezuelans, US firms, and American reimbursement. Trump held a confirmed phone call with acting President Delcy Rodríguez on January 14 to discuss oil, trade, and security, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe met her in Caracas on January 15 to address drug trafficking cooperation. Rodríguez has offered collaboration under international law, shifting from prior US exclusion, sources say.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright plans a near-term visit to engage leaders on oil investments, citing recent Venezuelan legislation as a positive step. However, US officials like Marco Rubio indicate more reforms are needed for asset rights and dispute resolution to attract major investment. Trump's "historic US-Venezuela energy deal," announced January 6, seeks to restore prosperity through oil revenue control, dismissing domestic producer complaints amid low crude prices as "capitalism."

Venezuela's oil sector, previously hampered by sanctions, saw production rises under Rodríguez, earning US respect despite tensions. China remains its top buyer, prompting US concerns over regional infrastructure like Venezuelan oil and Peru's Chancay port. The intervention counters Chinese and Russian influence, with Trump rationalizing oil oversight to prevent their dominance; he has threatened non-cooperation from Mexico and Cuba on cartels.

A US three-stage plan outlines stabilization, including selling 50 million barrels of seized oil, recovery, and transition. Opposition figure María Corina Machado met Trump on January 15, presenting her Nobel Medal and pushing for opposition involvement in the transition, potentially dismantling criminal structures. Without a deal, the country could face prolonged instability, though Trump predicts low energy prices and growth from the intervention.

Short-term, oil sales are funding stabilization, with Wright's visit and envoys signaling an investment push. Long-term, the US "runs" Venezuela until a safe transition, potentially involving Machado; Rubio eyes a multi-year revival. Experts note legislative gestures but insufficient reforms for major investment, according to anonymous analysts. A March 7 Florida summit invites Latin American leaders to address Chinese sway pre-Trump's Beijing trip, following a hemispheric defense chiefs' meeting for "permanent peace."

Attempts to reach the White House for comment on the visit timing were unsuccessful. The situation remains fluid, with Trump open to occupation reimbursed by oil, as stabilization efforts aim to prevent chaos and curb corruption via controlled oil disbursements.