Fri Jan 09 11:39:44 UTC 2026: Headline: Trump Halts Second Wave of Attacks on Venezuela Following “Cooperation,” Plans White House Meeting with Oil Executives
The Story:
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced he has canceled a planned second wave of attacks on Venezuela, citing “cooperation” from the South American nation. According to Trump, Venezuela has released a significant number of political prisoners as a gesture towards peace after a previous U.S. military operation targeting President Nicolas Maduro. Trump also stated that the U.S. and Venezuela are working together to rebuild the country’s oil and gas infrastructure. He is set to meet with oil executives at the White House to encourage investment in Venezuela’s oil sector.
Key Points:
* Donald Trump claims Venezuela released political prisoners as a sign of seeking peace.
* Trump cancelled a second wave of attacks on Venezuela, attributing the decision to the perceived cooperation.
* Trump stated the U.S. and Venezuela will rebuild their oil and gas infrastructure.
* He plans to meet with oil executives at the White House to encourage $100 billion investment in Venezuela.
* Energy Secretary Chris Wright had previously asserted Washington’s control over Venezuela’s oil industry “indefinitely”.
* Maria Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader, is reportedly coming to Washington next week.
* Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s deputy and now acting interim President, maintains her government is in charge.
* Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips are expected at the White House meeting.
Critical Analysis:
The provided context reveals potential drivers behind Trump’s actions. His behavior echoes a “strongman” persona that reportedly resonates with some American voters, as suggested by the January 9, 2026 opinion piece. The cancellation of military action and the focus on oil investments could be a calculated move to project strength while securing economic gains, potentially resonating with his “MAGA” base, especially given his historical focus on lowering domestic fuel prices. The expanded war on drugs also listed for January 9th, 2026 could also mean Trump is aiming to stabilize Venezuela’s current crisis.
Key Takeaways:
- The abrupt shift from potential military action to cooperation suggests a strategic realignment, possibly driven by domestic political considerations and economic incentives.
- The promised $100 billion investment hinges on convincing oil companies amidst uncertainty regarding governance and security in Venezuela.
- Conflicting claims of leadership in Venezuela create further instability.
- Trump seems to be attempting to leverage Venezuela’s oil reserves to lower domestic fuel prices.
- Trump’s stance on Venezuela seems to be based more on external interests than the Venezuelan people.
Impact Analysis:
The long-term implications of Trump’s actions depend heavily on the success of securing oil company investments and the resolution of the leadership dispute within Venezuela. If Trump succeeds in attracting significant investment, Venezuela’s oil production could rebound, impacting global oil prices and potentially strengthening U.S. energy security. However, the uncertainty surrounding governance and security in Venezuela poses a significant risk to these investments. Also, if Trump really has some control of the Venezuelan economy, it’s likely the war on drugs could be a major issue in the coming months.
First Piper 