U.S. May Take Financial Stake in Venezuelan Oil, Says Energy Secretary

Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated it is a "very real possibility" that the United States could acquire a financial stake in Venezuela's oil industry. The comments were made during an interview on CBS's "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." They come as the Trump administration pushes American oil companies to resume operations in Venezuela. President Trump recently hosted top oil executives at the White House. He has actively encouraged them to reenter the Venezuelan market, which has vast reserves but has suffered under long-term U.S. sanctions and economic crisis. A U.S. financial stake would represent a significant shift in policy. For years, sanctions have aimed to pressure Venezuela's government by restricting its oil revenue.