Venezuelan tariffs the way to pressure Maduro, secretary reportedly says
President Donald Trump has recently expressed a willingness to reconsider his decision to terminate an oil deal between former President Joe Biden and Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. This decision was made during a meeting at the White House, attended by several Cabinet secretaries and oil executives.
During the meeting, there was a discussion on how to effectively deal with Maduro while also promoting U.S. energy dominance and supporting American oil firms. Trump explored the possibility of incentivizing oil imports that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives while benefiting American consumers and workers.
Howard Lutnick, from the Department of Commerce, proposed increasing pressure on Maduro by imposing tariffs on Venezuela instead of revoking leases for U.S. oil firms. Trump showed interest in this idea, as he has been a vocal critic of the Maduro regime and its failure to meet certain obligations outlined in the oil deal brokered by Biden.
In February, Trump announced the reversal of concessions made by Biden to Maduro, citing the regime’s lack of compliance with the agreement. This led to the directive for U.S. oil companies to wind down their operations in Venezuela by March 1, a move that was criticized by Maduro’s deputy Delcy Rodriguez.
Despite these developments, Trump is now considering a more balanced approach that takes into account U.S. foreign policy challenges while also capitalizing on Venezuela’s heavy crude oil production. This type of oil is well-suited for U.S. refineries along the Gulf Coast, creating job opportunities domestically.
In a recent interview, Rep. Carlos Gimenez praised the Trump administration’s tough stance on dictatorships in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó also commended Trump for his efforts to confront authoritarian regimes in the region.
The potential reversal of the decision to end the oil deal with Venezuela marks a shift in Trump’s approach to foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of promoting American interests while addressing global challenges. This decision reflects a nuanced understanding of the complexities of international relations and the need to balance competing priorities.
