Venezuela's Rodríguez Signs Oil Reform, US Eases Sanctions

Is Venezuela's oil reform imperial plunder, utter humiliation for Chavismo, a path to energy sovereignty and democratic transition or desperate survival tactics?

Published 11 hours ago

Venezuela's Rodríguez Signs Oil Reform, US Eases Sanctions

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Above: Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodríguez holds the new oil reform in Caracas on Jan. 29. Image credit: Carlos Becerra/Getty Image

The Spin

Anti-Trump narrative

Trump's military intervention forced Venezuela to surrender its nationalized oil industry to Big Oil through brutal coercion and sanctions. This reform is actually imperial plunder, stripping away national sovereignty to enrich American corporations at discount rates while installing a puppet regime to manage the exploitation.

Common Dreams Democracy Now

Pro-Trump narrative

Trump's brilliant strategy uses Rodríguez as a puppet to dismantle the Chavista regime without boots on the ground or nation-building chaos. By forcing her to follow orders under threat of a second strike, Trump is clearing the path for Venezuela's democratic transition and friendly relations with the U.S.

American Thinker

Orlando Avendaño on X

Establishment-critical narrative

This reform strengthens Venezuela's energy sovereignty and creates conditions to attract vital investment for national development, carrying forward Chávez's vision and Nicolás Maduro's future-oriented leadership. Venezuela is determined to compete globally and become a great energy power despite complex circumstances.

Telegram Con El Mazo Dando

Pro-establishment narrative

This rushed oil reform under U.S. pressure reveals desperate survival tactics rather than genuine economic vision. Critical decisions remain at executive discretion with undefined triggers, failing to provide the legal stability and fiscal framework needed for serious investment. Venezuela remains a high-risk for investors.

Caracas Chronicles Americas Quarterly