Oil Companies Contradict Donald Trump's Remarks on Venezuela Consultation

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Newsweek

Published Jan 05, 2026 at 01:06 PM EST updated Jan 05, 2026 at 07:29 PM EST


Oil giants Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips and Chevron were not consulted about Venezuela before or after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, industry executives told Reuters. Their accounts contradict President Donald Trump’s statement on Sunday that he spoke with all three companies “before and after” the operation about investing in the country.

Four sources told Reuters the firms had no prior knowledge of the U.S. plan and have held no talks with the administration since Maduro’s removal. However, a White House official told Newsweek Monday afternoon that the Trump administration has had conversations with multiple oil companies.

Why It Matters

While the capture of Maduro—who pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in a New York City courtroom on Monday—has been mainly presented as an attempt to thwart his involvement in narcoterrorism, the administration has not shied away from the energy-related motivations for placing the country under U.S. control until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" can take place.

However, the raid has drawn criticism on international legal grounds, while leaving other countries in Latin America as well as Greenland on heightened alert. At the same time, Trump's remarks about consultation with oil firms—rather than Congress—has now attracted scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, who believe the administration bypassed the domestic prerequisites for what some consider an act of war.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/oil-companies-dispute-trump-venezuela-maduro-consultation-11310309

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REFERENCES

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143592245
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143593576

[Walleye]

1. I guess he expected the oil execs to back his lie

[LuvLoogie]

9. So oil execs don't lie?

[Walleye]

11. I'll take almost anybody's word over Trump's. Just from past experience.

[LuvLoogie]

13. Trump has nothing to lose, so he lies or leaks.

He suffers no consequence for either, regardless of detriment to the country or the people around him. It doesn't matter what he says when the truth is sought. For him it is irrelevant, and either lie or truth is used for his immediate needs as he sees them, bravado and conceit high on his needs.

Oil execs are always concerned with the bottom line and exploitation of resources, but they want a legal shield to stay out of jail. So they would be willing to indulge The Vandal if it makes them money and would be happy to conduct in closed-door discussions on any subject that potential adds to their bottom line.

But they would not want to expose themselves to litigation as they do not have immunity against a prosecution by a willing administration. So it tracks that they would deny the meeting/consultation/heads-up whether it occurred or not.

[Walleye]

15. They'd be surprised to know how many Americans don't cheat and lie without even being threatened. Just because it's the

Right thing to do. There is no morality anymore in our leadership. It’s really tough.

[tanyev]

2. Oil company lawyers more competent and cautious than Donny's "lawyers".

[TexLaProgressive]

6. Petro lawyers actually get paid

[wolfie001]

3. fat orange imbecile

Once again, he lies. Rancid POS.
[img][/img]

[Ray Bruns]

4. Who the fuck knows who he was talking to?

Could have been the voices in his head again.

[BradBo]

5. Big oil knows they will be bombed if they make a move in Venezuela.

Their smart enough to protect their workers. I’m sure it’s not worth it to them.

[PatSeg]

7. "While the capture of Maduro"???

Maduro wasn't captured, he was abducted. Makes it sound like he was some fugitive from justice.

[moniss]

8. I wouldn't believe any of them or Crumb the 1st. nt

[Clouds Passing]

10. Because its really about Don Jr and rare earth minerals and the new american empire

[lonely bird]

12. I don't believe them

They are spinning this from a time frame standpoint. They are claiming that they had no conversations with the Orange Orangutan prior to or after the kidnapping. The key word is “prior”. They are likely defining it extremely narrowly. Imo, they were told weeks ago that things were going to happen and that they should prepare for it. It may be possible that they were not specifically told about Maduro being kidnapped but broad enough information was probably hinted at and they chose to not inquire any further.

[Aussie105]

14. Trump: Hey, back me up here guys!

Oil execs: Nah, we are ok as we are, but thanks anyway.

Trump's MO: I do what I like and make up the rationalization later.

[ChicagoTeamster]

16. It's about Trump megadonor Paul Singer buying CITGO. Typical Trump. Minimal forethought or involvement of outside expert

Singer has no experience in OIL. He just buys distressed/indebted buinesses/countries. Trump has no experience in OIL. He just thinks that because he's in control of US military everyone has to do what he wants and somehow it will just work.

Remember, he's the king of debt and bankruptcies.