During a brief exchange with reporters before boarding Air Force One in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump appeared visibly annoyed by the stance of the largest oil company in the United States. “I didn’t like Exxon’s response. We have a lot of people who want to participate. I’ll probably be inclined to leave Exxon out. They’re trying to be clever,” the president stated.

The tension arose last Friday during a high-level summit at the White House, when, before nearly twenty oil executives, Trump urged the companies to inject at least $100 billion of private capital to rebuild Venezuela’s infrastructure, devastated after years of crisis.

However, Woods set the record straight by reminding them that Exxon has been expropriated twice in that country. “If you analyze the current legal and commercial frameworks in Venezuela, it is a country in which you cannot invest,” Woods stated, emphasizing the need for profound reforms and lasting protections before risking a single dollar. “Returning a third time would require quite significant changes,” the executive maintained, although he left the possibility open if profound reforms occur. This stance contrasted with the general support expressed by other companies present, such as Chevron, ConocoPhillips, the Italian company ENI, and the Spanish company Repsol. Trump reacts after Exxon's response to distancing itself. According to sources present, Trump sought to dispel any skepticism by assuring that the companies would not negotiate with Venezuelan authorities, but directly with his administration. The president reiterated that his plan includes private investments of at least $100 billion to rebuild the country's oil infrastructure.without resorting to public funds. Furthermore, it guaranteed legal certainty to companies that decide to participate. “They will be safe, there will be no problems,” he said.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright downplayed Exxon's position, calling it “atypical,” and assured that at least a dozen companies are ready to return to Venezuela immediately.

In television interviews, he indicated that Chevron, Shell, Repsol, and ENI would increase their investments, without mentioning Exxon.

As part of the new strategy, Trump signed an executive order this weekend declaring a “national emergency” to protect Venezuelan oil revenues held in U.S. Treasury accounts, preventing international creditors from claiming those funds.

According to the White House, the goal is to manage these resources for the benefit of the Venezuelan people while revitalizing an industry battered by years of mismanagement, corruption, and disinvestment.

Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, with more than 300 billion barrels, a potential the Trump administration is seeking to exploit. capitalize, even if it means leaving out historical giants like ExxonMobil.