Overview
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News that oil prices could drop further "if something happens down in Venezuela," framing lower energy costs as part of a broader "peace dividend."
- Bessent linked recent price relief to President Trump's peace, trade, and tax deals and said he is confident about job growth tied to a post‑July capital‑expenditure surge.
- News outlets report the U.S. has conducted more than 20 strikes on alleged narco‑boats in Caribbean waters off Venezuela and has repositioned major military assets to the region.
- Bessent did not elaborate on his Venezuela remark, and the Treasury did not respond to requests for comment from reporters seeking clarification.
- Energy Information Administration data show average U.S. retail gasoline prices in October 2025 were lower than in October 2024, while some analysts caution that any U.S. military action in Venezuela could destabilize the country, according to The New Republic.