U.S. Eyes Venezuelan Oil After Maduro's Capture

Following the military raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, President Trump is pushing American oil companies to access Venezuela's vast oil reserves. The move signals a potential major shift in energy policy. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, but production has collapsed under years of economic crisis and U.S. sanctions. Ed Hirs, an energy expert at the University of Houston, told CBS News that operational control is the immediate challenge. "The oil fields are in terrible disrepair," Hirs said. He explained that significant investment and time would be needed to restore output. This push comes as the U.S. seeks to solidify the political transition in Venezuela. Tapping the reserves could provide economic stability to a new government while boosting global oil supplies.