In a significant move impacting international energy politics and US foreign policy, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designed to shield Venezuelan oil revenue from being seized in legal proceedings. The order, made public on January 9, 2026, argues that such seizures could jeopardise critical American efforts to restore economic and political stability in the crisis-ridden South American nation.
Behind the Decision: Oil Executives Voice Concerns
The presidential action follows a high-stakes meeting convened by Trump with top US oil executives at the White House on Friday, January 8, 2026. During the discussions, major industry leaders expressed deep reservations about investing in Venezuela's crumbling infrastructure. The most stark warning came from Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil Corp., the largest US oil company, who bluntly stated that under current conditions, Venezuela is "uninvestable."
President Trump attempted to reassure the executives, promising they would negotiate directly with the United States government rather than with Venezuelan authorities. The administration's overarching goal is to channel substantial private investment—reportedly urging companies to spend at least $100 billion—into rebuilding Venezuela after the dramatic ouster of former leader Nicolás Maduro.
White House Strategy: Framing Economic Control
The Trump administration is explicitly framing its strategy as an effort to economically "run" Venezuela. This approach includes aggressive steps already taken, such as seizing tankers carrying Venezuelan crude and announcing US control over the sales of 30 million to 50 million barrels of previously sanctioned oil, with plans to manage global sales indefinitely.
"I love the Venezuelan people, and am already making Venezuela rich and safe again," Trump posted on his social media platform from southern Florida on Saturday. He thanked those involved in making the policy possible.
Legal Grounds and Implications of the Order
The executive order formally declares that Venezuelan oil revenue held by the United States is government property reserved for "governmental and diplomatic purposes" and is therefore immune from private legal claims. The order invokes the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, citing the potential entanglement of these funds in court cases as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to US national security and foreign policy.
This legal manoeuvre is seen as a direct response to Venezuela's long history of asset seizures, combined with ongoing US sanctions and persistent political instability. By creating a legal firewall around these oil proceeds, the White House aims to reduce perceived investment risks for American oil giants, thereby facilitating the capital influx it deems necessary for Venezuela's reconstruction under US guidance.
The move underscores the Trump administration's continued, hands-on approach to Venezuelan affairs, prioritising economic leverage as a primary tool for influencing the country's future, even as major corporations remain cautious about the tangible risks on the ground.
