In a pointed address at the White House, President Trump revealed the high stakes behind U.S. actions in Venezuela: preventing China and Russia from dominating its oil riches. Meeting with top oil executives, he framed the revival of Venezuelan energy production as a bulwark against foreign encroachment.

‘Prompt action was crucial,’ Trump said. ‘Had we delayed, China or Russia would have locked down those energy assets by now.’

He stressed U.S. business opportunities in the region while prioritizing national control over output. Rubio, the Secretary of State, criticized past lapses that turned Venezuela into an enemy outpost, endangering American security due to alleged drug trafficking ties.

Wright, the Energy Secretary, described Venezuela’s downturn as a humanitarian and regional crisis fueled by corruption and economic freefall.

Trump outlined a smart-power approach: leveraging military presence to halt oil flows without full-scale war. ‘That’s how we box out Russia and China—not just in Venezuela, but everywhere that matters,’ he asserted.

This strategy reflects decades of U.S. policy in Latin America, balancing commerce, security, and competition. As global energy rivalries intensify, Trump’s words signal no tolerance for adversaries gaining ground in America’s sphere.