Trump Optimistic on Bringing Back Venezuela Oil Operations in Under 18 Months

(L-R) CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth listen as President Donald Trump addresses the media at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., on Jan. 3, 2026. Joe Raedle/Getty Images The U.S. oil industry could get new operations in Venezuela “up and running” in less than 18 months

Hegseth, Rubio Brief Lawmakers on US Operation in Venezuela

Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives for a meeting with Congressional leaders and other cabinet members about Venezuela at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times WASHINGTON—Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday briefed lawmakers on the operation that resulted in the