U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to tap into Venezuela's vast oil reserves after declaring his intention to seize control from President Nicolás Maduro, stating the U.S. would "run" the country until a "safe" transition occurred. Trump's plan involves encouraging American oil firms to invest billions of dollars in Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest crude oil reserves, in order to mobilize the largely untapped resource. He asserted that U.S. companies would repair Venezuela's "badly broken" oil infrastructure and "start making money for the country."

However, experts cautioned that Trump's plan faces significant challenges, estimating that it would require billions of dollars and could take up to a decade to achieve a substantial increase in oil production. The feasibility of the U.S. taking control of Venezuela's oil reserves and the overall success of Trump's plan remain uncertain.

Venezuela holds an estimated 303 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, making it a globally significant player in the energy market. Despite this vast potential, the country's current oil production is significantly lower than its capacity. Oil output has declined sharply since the early 2000s, following increased state control over the oil industry under former President Hugo Chavez and the subsequent Maduro administration. This nationalization trend discouraged foreign investment and led to mismanagement and underinvestment in the sector.

The current political and economic crisis in Venezuela further complicates any potential U.S.-led effort to revitalize the oil industry. The country faces widespread shortages of food and medicine, hyperinflation, and political instability. International sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other countries on the Maduro regime have also hindered oil production and exports.

Analysts suggest that any successful plan to increase Venezuelan oil production would require a stable political environment, significant foreign investment, and a restructuring of the state-run oil company, PDVSA. Overcoming these challenges would necessitate a long-term commitment and a willingness to navigate the complex political and economic landscape of Venezuela. The international community remains divided on the legitimacy of the Maduro government and the appropriate course of action to address the crisis in Venezuela.