Trump administration studied Iraq war lessons before moving to revive Venezuela’s oil industry after Maduro capture

New reporting from CNN reveals that senior Trump administration officials studied the United States’ post-Iraq invasion oil strategy as they prepared for last year’s military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and restart Venezuela’s struggling oil industry.

Sources told CNN that a late-December State Department briefing highlighted how deep distrust among Iraqi oil workers after the 2003 invasion slowed production and even led to internal sabotage. Officials warned that similar skepticism in Venezuela could undermine U.S. goals if a clear plan is not communicated.

Despite those lessons, President Donald Trump has remained publicly focused on Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, repeatedly saying the U.S. should “take back the oil.” While administration officials say profits would benefit Venezuelans, multiple sources expressed concern that Trump’s rhetoric could deepen mistrust and resistance on the ground.

Since Maduro’s capture on January 3, the administration has actively pushed U.S. energy companies — including Exxon and Chevron — to invest in Venezuela. Talks are also underway with smaller independent firms willing to operate in politically unstable environments. The White House says it has received a surge of requests from energy companies seeking licenses to work in the country.

Unlike Iraq, where the Bush administration avoided controlling oil policy, CNN reports the Trump administration has taken a far more direct role. The U.S. recently brokered sales of Venezuelan oil on global markets, routing proceeds into a U.S.-controlled account in Qatar. The first sale earlier this month totaled about $500 million, with funds earmarked for essential Venezuelan government operations.

Experts warn rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector could be even harder than Iraq’s, citing severe infrastructure damage and environmental devastation around key oil fields such as Lake Maracaibo. Production currently sits near 800,000 barrels per day — far below historical levels.

While some officials see potential for quick gains through smaller firms, analysts say restoring large-scale production will require major investment and long-term cooperation with Venezuelan workers and institutions.

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