Former President Donald Trump asserted that U.S.-backed security assurances would prompt major oil companies to commit $100 billion in new investments to Venezuela’s energy sector. The claim reignites debate over foreign investment in the South American nation amid ongoing political uncertainty.
- Trump claims $100 billion in oil sector investment by U.S.-aligned companies if U.S. provides security guarantees to Venezuela
- Venezuela holds 303 billion barrels of proven oil reserves but currently produces under 1.3 million barrels per day
- No major oil firms have publicly committed to the proposed investment, raising questions about feasibility
- Brent crude futures rose 3.2% following the announcement, indicating market reaction
- Regional allies such as Colombia and Brazil are assessing potential geopolitical and economic shifts
- Current Venezuelan leadership has rejected the claims as politically driven without credible backing
Former President Donald Trump announced on January 9, 2026, that oil companies would allocate $100 billion in direct investment to develop Venezuela’s oil infrastructure if the United States provides security guarantees. The statement, made during a rally in Miami, frames the investment as a cornerstone of a broader energy and geopolitical reset in the region, positioning U.S. influence as essential to unlocking Venezuela’s vast reserves. Trump’s assertion comes amid persistent instability in Caracas, where the government's authority remains contested and international sanctions continue to restrict access to capital and technology. Despite Venezuela holding the world’s largest proven crude reserves—estimated at 303 billion barrels—production has declined to under 1.3 million barrels per day, down from over 3 million in the early 2000s. The $100 billion figure, if realized, would represent a nearly 80% increase in the country’s total oil sector investment since 2010. Market analysts have expressed skepticism, noting that no major oil firms—such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, or Royal Dutch Shell—have publicly endorsed or planned such a scale of investment. The absence of formal commitments suggests the figure may be aspirational or conditional on policy shifts that remain unconfirmed. Nonetheless, the statement has triggered renewed interest among commodity traders, with Brent crude futures rising 3.2% in early trading on January 10. The implications extend beyond energy markets. U.S. allies in Latin America, including Colombia and Brazil, are monitoring the development closely, as a major oil resurgence in Venezuela could alter regional power dynamics and trade flows. Meanwhile, current and former Venezuelan officials have dismissed the claims as politically motivated, highlighting the lack of legal or diplomatic frameworks to support such a transition.