US-Venezuela Tensions

Trump Optimistic on Bringing Back Venezuela Oil Operations in Under 18 Months

The U.S. president’s optimism depends on investments by U.S. companies, potentially reimbursed by the government or through revenues.
Trump Optimistic on Bringing Back Venezuela Oil Operations in Under 18 Months
(L-R) CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth listen as President Donald Trump addresses the media at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., on Jan. 3, 2026. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Kimberly Hayek
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The U.S. oil industry could get new operations in Venezuela “up and running” in less than 18 months in the wake of leader Nicolás Maduro’s capture, U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday.
“I think we can do it in less time than that, but it’ll be a lot of money,” Trump told NBC News in an interview. “A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent, and the oil companies will spend it, and then they’ll get reimbursed by us or through revenue.”
Kimberly Hayek
Kimberly Hayek
Author
Kimberly Hayek is a reporter for The Epoch Times. She covers California news and has worked as an editor and on scene at the U.S.-Mexico border during the 2018 migrant caravan crisis.