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Can Trump Make Venezuelan Oil Great Again?

January 13, 2026 00:40:44 39.11 MB Downloads: 0

In the days since deposing Nicolás Maduro, President Trump has given several justifications for his dramatic actions in Venezuela. But perhaps most central to his ambitions is opening Venezuela’s oil fields to American companies.

Anatoly Kurmanaev, who covers Venezuela, explains the history behind Mr. Trump’s claims of ownership and what it would really take to get the oil back.

Guest: Anatoly Kurmanaev, a reporter for The New York Times who covers Venezuela.

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Photo: Adriana Loureiro Fernandez for The New York Times

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