James Story discusses Venezuela's recent turmoil and U.S. policy on The Remnant
Former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela James Story joins Jonah Goldberg to examine the latest developments in Venezuelan politics, the oil sector and diaspora.
The Remnant podcast featured an interview with James Story, a career senior Foreign Service officer who led the U.S. mission in Venezuela between July 2018 and May 2023 and retired in May 2025. Host Jonah Goldberg guided the discussion toward the complex history of U.S. engagement with the Bolivarian Republic, focusing on President Nicolás Maduro and Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. Story evaluated the likelihood of a democratic transition, the contentious oil agreement, and the growing Venezuelan diaspora abroad.
He also addressed recent maritime incidents involving migrants, Senator Marco Rubio’s comments, and the role of professional diplomats after the DOGE era. The dialogue concluded with reflections on the broader implications for Pax Americana and future U.S. strategy in the region.
Why it matters
Understanding Venezuela's crisis and U.S. policy helps gauge regional stability and energy market impacts.
How this story developed
- Aug 28 U.S. Negotiates Long-Term Lease of Venezuelan Oil Fields to Cut Import Costs
- Aug 28 The White House has referred inquiries about the proposed deal to the Energy Department.
- Aug 29 Trump announced a partnership granting the United States a 55% effective output share in Venezuelan oil fields.
- Aug 30 The first publicly shared photographs of Nicolas Maduro since his January abduction were uploaded to his X account. The pictures show the former president detained by U.S. officials as he prepares for a trial on narco-terrorism and drug-trafficking accusations. The post was framed as a tribute to his grandchildren and supporters.
- Aug 31 Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced a 25‑year bilateral energy project granting the United States majority control of more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan reserves.
- Aug 31 Trump said the deal will allow the United States to top up its Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
- Aug 31 The partnership was described as a 25‑year joint venture targeting 1.5 million barrels per day and projected to generate about $209 billion for Venezuela, with the United States holding a 55 percent interest and a 35 percent passive stake in the private partner.
- Sep 1 Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital joins the Venezuelan oil venture.
- Sep 2 U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright scheduled a visit to Venezuela to discuss the oil partnership.
- Sep 2 The administration revealed a $100 billion proposal that includes a disputed 35 % Pentagon equity stake and a 100‑year lease for the private partner.
- Sep 2 Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores asked a Manhattan judge to throw out a drug-trafficking indictment, arguing they are immune as Venezuela’s head of state and first lady.
- Sep 3 Oral arguments on the dismissal motion are set for Nov. 17.
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