US President Donald Trump announced that major American oil companies are prepared to invest billions of dollars in Venezuela to restore its oil production. The statement came just hours after Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was captured and removed by U.S. forces. Trump said on Saturday that the largest U.S. oil firms would enter Venezuela, repair the country’s oil infrastructure, and generate revenue for both the companies and the country. “We’re going to have our very large US oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country,” he said. Currently, Chevron is the only major American oil company operating in Venezuela, while Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, and others have historical operations in the country. Analysts say entering Venezuela and restoring production will require massive investment and time. Peter McNally, Global Head of Sector Analysts at Third Bridge, noted that reviving Venezuela’s oil sector will likely take tens of billions of dollars and could require at least a decade of commitment from Western oil majors. “There are still many questions that need to be answered about the state of the Venezuelan oil industry, but it is clear that it will take tens of billions of dollars to turn that industry around,” he said. The American Petroleum Institute (API), the largest U.S. oil trade group, said it is closely monitoring the situation. A spokesperson told Reuters that the API is watching developments in Venezuela and their potential impact on global energy markets. Chevron, which exports roughly 150,000 barrels per day of crude from Venezuela to the U.S. Gulf Coast, said its priority is the safety of its employees and the integrity of its assets. A Chevron spokesperson emphasized that the company continues to operate in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Other major oilfield service companies, including SLB, Baker Hughes, Halliburton, and Weatherford, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips also did not provide statements to Reuters. Trump confirmed that the existing U.S. embargo on Venezuelan oil remains in effect. He added that U.S. military forces would stay in position until American demands were fully met. “The American armada remains poised in position, and the US retains all military options until United States demands have been fully met and fully satisfied,” Trump said. Analysts warn that rebuilding Venezuela’s oil industry will be a long and complex process. Decades of underinvestment, mismanagement, and sanctions have left much of the country’s oil infrastructure in poor condition. Reestablishing full production capacity would require extensive repairs, upgrades, and significant financial and human resources. Investors and energy experts are watching closely, noting that any U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s oil sector could have broad implications for global energy markets. Restoring Venezuelan production could eventually influence oil prices, supply chains, and competition among international oil companies. While Trump’s plan highlights potential economic gains, it also carries significant political and logistical challenges. U.S. companies would need to navigate regulatory approvals, security concerns, and uncertain local conditions. Experts caution that even with billions in investment, production recovery may be gradual and could take years before returning to pre-crisis levels. The announcement reflects Trump’s broader agenda to assert U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere and secure strategic energy resources. By encouraging American oil companies to invest in Venezuela, Trump aims to restore production, counter rival nations’ influence, and demonstrate U.S. economic power in the region. As the situation develops, U.S. officials and energy companies will face tough decisions about how to balance financial opportunity, political risk, and operational challenges in Venezuela. Analysts stress that success will depend on long-term commitment and careful planning by both the government and private sector.