Trump Announces Plans for Venezuela Visit, Hails Strong Bilateral Ties
In a significant diplomatic development, former US President Donald Trump declared on Friday his intention to visit Venezuela, emphasizing that relations between the United States and the South American nation are currently "very good." Trump stated, "I'm going to make a visit to Venezuela," while noting that the specific date for the trip has not yet been finalized.
High Praise for Venezuelan Leadership and Collaborative Efforts
Trump further elaborated on the state of US-Venezuela relations, asserting, "We have a very good relationship with the president of Venezuela." He highlighted that Washington is "working together very closely" with Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, particularly on matters concerning access to oil. Trump confirmed that he has officially recognized the Venezuelan government, rating the current relationship as "a 10" on a scale of one to ten.
This optimistic assessment comes despite recent indications from Trump administration officials that Washington did not view Rodriguez's interim government as legitimate. The comments follow a visit to Caracas earlier in the week by the US energy secretary and coincide with the administration's decision to relax additional sanctions that had previously hindered investment in Venezuela's crucial oil sector.
US Eases Sanctions to Facilitate Oil and Gas Operations
On Friday, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued general licenses to major energy companies, including BP, Chevron, Eni, Repsol, and Shell. These licenses authorize certain transactions related to oil and gas operations in Venezuela under specific conditions, marking a strategic shift in US policy.
A media note from the Trump administration described the OFAC move as part of Trump's commitment to "rapidly" reopen Venezuela's oil industry. It stated, "These general licenses invite American and other aligned companies to play a constructive role in supporting economic recovery and responsible investment." The note added, "The United States is committed to restoring Venezuela's prosperity, safety, and security for the benefit of both the American and Venezuelan people."
US Aims for Dominant Role in Venezuela's Oil Management
Trump and senior officials, such as Energy Secretary Chris Wright, have openly suggested that Washington intends to play a dominant role in managing Venezuela's oil resources for the foreseeable future. This aligns with the global oil industry's expressed interest in returning to the petroleum-rich country. However, industry representatives have cautioned that major investments will depend on the establishment of clear and stable rules, especially given past expropriations under earlier Venezuelan governments.
Humanitarian Aid and Oil Production Context
In a related humanitarian gesture, the US State Department announced on Friday that it had dispatched more than six tonnes of medical supplies to Venezuela to assist in stabilizing the country. This aid comes as Venezuela's oil production shows signs of recovery. The nation produced approximately 1.2 million barrels of oil per day in 2025, a notable increase from a historic low of around 360,000 barrels per day in 2020. Despite this improvement, production remains significantly below the peak of 3 million barrels per day achieved 25 years ago.
The combined actions of diplomatic engagement, sanction relief, and humanitarian support underscore a multifaceted approach by the US towards Venezuela, aimed at fostering economic revival and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.
