Mon Jan 12 05:35:47 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Trump Considers Excluding ExxonMobil from Venezuelan Oil Deal After CEO’s “Uninvestable” Assessment
The Story:
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of ExxonMobil’s assessment of Venezuela’s investment climate, hinting at the possibility of excluding the company from participating in the development of Venezuelan oil reserves. This statement followed a meeting at the White House on January 9, 2026, with oil and gas executives to discuss plans for Venezuela following the ouster of former President Nicolás Maduro. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods labeled Venezuela as “uninvestable” under its current legal and commercial frameworks, a position that seemingly irked President Trump.
The President made his remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One, stating that other companies were eager to invest. While Woods expressed confidence that the Trump administration could work with the new Venezuelan government to implement necessary changes, he also stressed the immediate need for security and financial guarantees. He emphasized the importance of sending a technical team to assess the industry’s current state and the assets required to help restore oil production.
Key Points:
- President Trump is considering excluding ExxonMobil from Venezuelan oil deals.
- ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods described Venezuela as “uninvestable” due to legal and commercial frameworks.
- The White House held a meeting on January 9, 2026, with oil and gas executives to discuss Venezuelan oil reserves.
- Woods called for durable investment protections, changes to hydrocarbon laws, and security guarantees.
- Several other oil executives echoed concerns about security and financial guarantees.
Critical Analysis:
The unfolding situation suggests a potential clash between the Trump administration’s foreign policy objectives and the risk assessments of major U.S. corporations. ExxonMobil’s reluctance, shared by other oil executives, highlights the significant challenges of operating in post-Maduro Venezuela, particularly regarding security and legal stability. The Trump administration’s response – considering excluding ExxonMobil – signals a willingness to prioritize political objectives over corporate concerns, potentially opening the door for other, perhaps less risk-averse, companies to enter the Venezuelan market. The proximity of the Cuban President stating no talks with US, and Trump claiming otherwise further suggest a divergence from previous norms.
Key Takeaways:
- President Trump is willing to prioritize political goals in Venezuela, even if it means potentially alienating or excluding major U.S. oil companies.
- ExxonMobil’s stance reflects the significant risks and uncertainties associated with investing in Venezuela’s oil sector.
- The situation underscores the complex interplay between political intervention, corporate strategy, and resource extraction in politically unstable regions.
- The rapid developments in US foreign policy reflect Trump’s characteristic leadership style.
Impact Analysis:
This event could have far-reaching implications:
- Geopolitical: A shift in the dynamics of power and investment in Venezuela and the region, as other companies potentially step in where ExxonMobil hesitates. It may invite actors less aligned with US interests.
- Economic: Potential impacts on the Venezuelan economy’s recovery, and the global oil market. If production doesn’t ramp up quickly, it may cause shock to the global oil markets
- Corporate: A precedent could be set for how the U.S. government interacts with and influences the investment decisions of U.S. corporations in politically volatile countries.
First Piper 