The administration of former President Donald Trump is reportedly negotiating a high-stakes agreement with Nicolás Maduro’s regime, allowing Chevron to continue exporting Venezuelan oil to the United States. In exchange, Venezuela would accept the return of thousands of migrants who may lose their legal status in the coming weeks.
This was revealed in an investigation published by El Nuevo Herald, based on sources in Washington and Caracas familiar with the talks. According to the report, Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell, has led the behind-the-scenes efforts with key figures in the Venezuelan government, aiming to revive energy relations between the two countries, despite the complicated political and judicial landscape surrounding Maduro and his inner circle.
Centrally Linked to Chevron
The crux of the discussions center around a possible extension of the license permitting Chevron to operate in Venezuela. This license was revoked in March by the Trump administration and is set to expire on May 27. In return, Maduro’s regime is reportedly willing to accept Venezuelan migrants who would be deported following the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to allow the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for citizens of that country.
One source cited by El Nuevo Herald indicated that under the current terms, Maduro would remain in power and provide new oil and mining concessions to American companies, including Chevron, which has significant assets in Venezuela but has operated under severe restrictions due to sanctions.
The regime is also seeking to lift economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury and to have the drug trafficking charges against Maduro and his Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, dismissed; both are accused of leading the “Los Soles” drug cartel.
Syria Precedent and Internal Resistance
According to El Nuevo Herald, a source close to the negotiations compared Maduro’s goal with the lifting of sanctions recently applied to Syria, as part of a broader diplomatic strategy. “What Maduro wants is a deal similar to the one recently granted to Syria,” the source stated.
In the U.S., the potential agreement faces opposition, especially from Cuban-American congressmen from Florida, Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos Giménez, who have pressed to eliminate any type of concession to the Venezuelan regime. Salazar told the Herald that Congress will not allow “the sale of democratic principles for four dollars.”
These tensions could escalate if lawmakers decide to condition their support for the White House budget, which Trump has referred to as the “Great Beautiful Bill.”
Oil Lobby Pressures
The oil lobby in Florida is also reportedly pushing for the renewal of Chevron’s license. Conservative activist Laura Loomer and businessman Harry Sargeant have publicly advocated for lifting sanctions on the Venezuelan energy sector, warning that China could benefit if the U.S. fails to act.
“Why would we want China to benefit from those resources instead of the United States?” Loomer wrote on the social media platform X, pointing out that Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, along with abundant strategic mineral resources.
Context of Chevron’s Closure
On March 24, 2025, the Trump administration extended Chevron’s deadline to close its operations in Venezuela until May 27, 2025, after initially revoking General License 41 (GL 41) in March, replacing it with GL 41A and then GL 41B, as part of sanctions against Maduro’s regime. This action was attributed to a lack of progress in electoral reforms and deportations, according to Trump’s statements. While it is correct that Chevron will be forced to close by May 27, the consequences described are exaggerated.
Impact on U.S. Energy Independence
Evidence suggests that the impact on U.S. energy independence will be minimal. According to the New York Times, the U.S. imports approximately 226,000 barrels daily from Venezuela, making up about 1% of its total oil demand. This volume is small compared to domestic production and other imports, with U.S. refineries designed to handle a blend of heavy oil (like Venezuelan) and light oil, meaning they can adapt to other sources. A report from Caracas Chronicles indicates that Chevron was producing 219,000 barrels daily in Venezuela before the revocation, which remains a negligible fraction of U.S. demand.
Therefore, Loomer’s claim of a “hard blow” to U.S. energy interests is overstated.
China’s Influence and “China First” Narrative
The argument that Chevron’s closure would give influence to China lacks solid evidence. Although Venezuela has asked China to increase its oil purchases, as reported by Bloomberg, there are no data indicating a significant rise in Chinese imports due to Chevron’s exit.
In fact, Reuters reported that in April 2025, China imported 428,000 barrels daily, but this does not reflect a remarkable increase, and the 25% tariffs imposed by the U.S. could discourage additional purchases.
Another report suggests that China and India might prefer Russian oil over Venezuelan due to these tariffs. Nonetheless, the “China first” narrative appears to be a manipulation, as U.S. actions are aimed at pressuring Maduro, not benefiting China.
Migratory Crisis and Connection to Chevron
The assertion that Chevron’s closure will initiate another migratory crisis is not supported by direct evidence. Although the New York Times mentions that the regime’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, warned of a potential increase in migration due to the revocation of the license, a clear causal link between Chevron’s exit and migration is not provided. Reports indicate that the Venezuelan economy already faces challenges, but the specific connection to Chevron is weak, and the claim seems exaggerated to generate alarm.
Manipulation and Propaganda
Loomer’s claim employs emotional and exaggerated language, such as “hard blow” and “dangerous setback,” to suggest a catastrophic impact on the U.S., while evidence shows limited impact. The mention of a “China first” approach is propagandistic, as it lacks supporting data and appears designed to polarize opinions, portraying China as a beneficiary without basis. This is typical of manipulated narratives aiming to influence public perception, especially in a politically sensitive context like U.S.-Venezuela relations.
Imminent Extension?
Last Tuesday, the release of U.S. Air Force veteran Joseph St. Clair from a Venezuelan prison was interpreted as a goodwill gesture that could pave the way for a two-month extension of Chevron’s license. Grenell has not made any official statements, but in an interview with Steve Bannon, he assured that an extension would be possible if “trust could be established.”
As of now, neither the White House nor the State Department has confirmed the existence of an agreement.