Donald Trump was seen sporting a badge bearing his likeness during a meeting with oil industry leaders at the White House. The US president urged executives to swiftly return to Venezuela with the aim of attracting $100 billion in investments to boost the country’s capacity to fully exploit its vast oil reserves. Following the recent apprehension of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Trump positioned this event as a fresh economic opening for the US, asserting control over the sale of previously restricted Venezuelan oil, totaling 30-50 million barrels, and dictating global sales indefinitely.
In the gathering, the 79-year-old Republican official donned his customary American flag pin alongside another badge featuring a cartoon version of himself on his jacket. Responding to a journalist’s query about the new pin, Trump quipped that it was a “Happy Trump” pin given to him by someone, highlighting his perpetual drive towards making America great again.
Trump reassured the executives of their “total safety” if they choose to invest in Venezuela, emphasizing direct dealings with the US rather than Venezuela. He underscored that major US oil corporations would invest at least $100 billion of their own funds, stressing the need for government protection rather than financial support.
Welcoming the oil executives to the White House after the US seized a fifth tanker linked to Venezuelan oil earlier that day, Trump demonstrated the US’s commitment to fully managing the exportation, refining, and production of Venezuelan oil. This move aligns with the administration’s strategy for sustained involvement in the sector, seeking commitments from private entities.
Before the meeting, Trump posted on Truth Social about the anticipated discussions on Venezuelan oil and the US’s enduring relationship with Venezuela, emphasizing the aim to lower oil prices for Americans and curb drug and criminal activities into the country. The White House extended invitations to executives from 17 companies, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Valero, Marathon, Shell, Trafigura, Eni, Repsol, and other domestic and international firms with diverse interests spanning construction to commodity markets.