Uncertainty Looms Over U.S.-Venezuela Oil Deal Ahead of 2028 Election

The recently announced U.S.-Venezuela oil partnership is facing scrutiny from senior figures in the American oil sector, who caution that a shift in U.S. leadership after the 2028 presidential vote could destabilize the agreement. They argue that a Republican administration would probably maintain one outlet course, allowing the deal to mature over the next four years, whereas a Democratic administration might reconsider the contract and potentially unwind billions of dollars in corporate commitments.

The piece references earlier instances where changes in federal policy, such as the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline, eroded investor confidence. It stresses that any private consortium developing Venezuelan fields will require firm security assurances from both governments to justify the required capital outlays. The author, an energy consultant with four decades of experience, concludes that while the venture is risky, the scale of Venezuela's reserves could still attract major players if political risk is managed.