Overview
- During a meeting with executives from Chevron, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Valero, and Marathon, President Trump read a note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that said to return to Chevron.
- Trump addressed Chevron Vice Chairman Mark Nelson after reading the note, prompting Energy Secretary Chris Wright to ask Nelson for an update on operations and timelines in Venezuela.
- The White House session centered on soliciting about $100 billion in U.S. investment to restore Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, with promises that participating companies would see strong returns.
- Chevron was described in the coverage as the sole U.S. oil company currently operating in Venezuela through a joint venture with state oil firm PDVSA.
- The incident triggered immediate online mockery and renewed questions about the president’s cognitive fitness, while reporting also quoted Trump pressing Caracas for exclusive U.S. partnerships and reduced ties to China, Russia, and Iran.