Overview
- In a New York Times interview, President Trump said U.S. oversight of Venezuela would last "much longer" than a year, adding the U.S. will be "using oil" and "taking oil" as part of a profitable rebuild.
- The White House said it holds maximum leverage over interim leader Delcy Rodríguez’s government and will dictate decision-making, while PDVSA confirmed it is negotiating crude sales with the United States.
- Trump touted an initial plan to sell 30 million to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude that had been blocked by sanctions, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright said U.S.-run sales would continue indefinitely.
- Trump is set to meet Friday with executives from Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips and Chevron about reviving production, though experts say restoring output will require years and major investment, with Chevron the only U.S. major currently operating under a license.
- Congressional scrutiny intensified as the Senate moved to vote on a war-powers resolution, and U.S. maritime enforcement continued with tanker seizures, while Caracas reported at least 100 deaths in the raid, a toll not independently verified.