International media reports have revealed new strategic directions from US President Donald Trump aimed at radically altering global energy markets. He and his advisory team are reportedly planning a comprehensive initiative to seize control of Venezuela's oil sector. According to the Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources, the US president believes these moves could directly contribute to lowering global oil prices to his preferred level of $50 per barrel.
Details of the proposed US plan
The plan currently under consideration at the White House involves the United States exercising effective control over Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA. This control would entail acquiring the majority of the company's production and marketing it globally. If this strategy succeeds, the United States would be able to manage most of the oil reserves in the Western Hemisphere, especially when considering the vast reserves located in the United States and other countries where American companies operate production facilities.
Historical background and strategic importance
This move comes within the complex historical context of US-Venezuelan relations. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, yet its oil sector has suffered for years from declining production due to mismanagement, economic sanctions, and political tensions under President Nicolás Maduro. Successive US administrations have long sought ways to engage with the Caracas regime, but Trump's current plan represents a significant shift from a purely sanctions-based policy to one of "control and management" of resources to serve US economic interests.
Expected economic effects of a $50 barrel
Two senior US administration officials stated that Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to see oil prices at $50 a barrel. This figure carries significant economic implications; reaching this price would greatly alleviate inflationary pressures on American consumers and reduce transportation and industrial production costs. However, this price level could pose a major challenge for the OPEC+ alliance and other oil-producing nations whose budgets depend on higher prices. It could also impact the profitability of US shale oil companies, which typically require higher prices to sustain investment.
The official position of the White House
To reinforce these trends, White House spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt stated, "The American energy industry, and more importantly the people of Venezuela and America, will greatly benefit from the president's control over Venezuelan oil, which was previously used to finance the illegitimate Maduro regime based on drug trafficking and terrorism." This statement indicates that the plan has not only economic dimensions, but also political and security implications aimed at undermining the financing of the current Venezuelan regime.
