Marco Rubio says Venezuela oil deal "will bring nearly US$100 billion" in private investment

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that a Trump administration oil deal with Venezuela would attract nearly US$100 billion in private investment, though he did not identify any companies backing that spending. The arrangement, announced roughly two months before the US midterm elections, is meant to raise Venezuelan crude output and lower American gas prices. Washington Post reporting suggests the US government could take stakes in 17 oil fields, with the Pentagon offering loans or loan guarantees, but experts say production gains are likely years away and large investments remain uncertain. The main private Venezuelan partner would reportedly be North American Blue Energy Partners, whose head has faced uncharged money-laundering investigations. Venezuela is also said to be weighing withdrawal from OPEC.