ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — President Donald Trump expressed strong reservations about allowing ExxonMobil to participate in Venezuela’s oil sector following critical comments from the company’s leadership. Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One en route from West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump revealed his dissatisfaction with the oil giant’s stance, characterizing their position as “playing too cute” with investment opportunities.
The administration’s push for energy sector engagement follows the political transition from former President Nicolás Maduro. During a high-level meeting with petroleum executives on Friday, Trump attempted to alleviate corporate concerns by assuring direct negotiation channels with the United States government rather than Venezuelan authorities.
ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods presented a contrasting view, stating current commercial frameworks in Venezuela render the country “uninvestable” under existing conditions. The corporation’s representatives declined immediate commentary when contacted Sunday regarding Trump’s remarks.
In parallel developments, the President signed an executive order Friday designed to shield Venezuelan oil revenues from potential judicial seizure. The order, publicly disclosed Saturday, argues that asset protection is essential for maintaining U.S. stabilization efforts amid Venezuela’s history of resource nationalization, ongoing sanctions, and prolonged political volatility.
The White House has prioritized energy infrastructure rehabilitation as a cornerstone of its Venezuela policy, implementing measures including tanker interdictions and assuming control over global sales of 30-50 million barrels of previously sanctioned crude oil indefinitely.