Reports suggest the United States is preparing to claim a substantial stake in Venezuela's extensive energy reserves, prompting an outcry from critics who have labelled the potential move as "predatory" and "unconstitutional".
Several media outlets this week reported that the Trump administration, which has been involved in Venezuela since January, aims to secure long-term access to the South American nation's oil and gas fields. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven crude oil reserves, estimated at 303 billion barrels.
On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal stated that Trump officials were in "advanced talks" with Venezuelan officials to acquire "a direct stake in more than a dozen oilfields" holding 90 billion barrels, which represents nearly a third of Venezuela's energy reserves. Reuters cited a source confirming these discussions are occurring at the highest levels of both governments, with negotiations reportedly focusing on fields in the Orinoco Belt and Lake Maracaibo regions.
Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the negotiations, reported that a 100-year lease on several oilfields is among the deals under discussion. These reports have caused unease and anger among members of Venezuela's opposition.
Ricardo Hausmann, an exiled former minister, stated on X that an "illegitimate interim government with an illegitimate hydrocarbons law has no legitimacy to strike this unconstitutional deal." Economist Francisco Rodríguez urged Venezuela's national assembly to reject what he termed a "predatory deal," arguing it contravenes the constitution and is not in the interest of the Venezuelan people.