Can the US really rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry?

Can the US really rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry?

Author: BBC News January 10, 2026 Duration: 26:28

In the fallout of Nicolas Maduro’s dramatic capture from Venezuela to the US, Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire to obtain Venezuelan oil, which he says is integral for keeping prices low in America.

He’s also pledged to have the US oil industry operating in Venezuela within 18 months and that there would be huge private-sector investments into the country. Reports suggest representatives from major US petroleum companies are due to meet the Trump administration this week.

Not everyone is convinced by the president’s plans. Some analysts told the BBC it could take tens of billions of dollars - and potentially a decade - to restore Venezuela's former output, which has been in decline since the early 2000s.

In this episode, Justin sits down with US energy expert Robert Bryce to explore the unique challenges of reforming Venezuela’s oil industry and the mistakes that the president will have to avoid to prevent the collapse in Iraq’s oil industry following the US invasion in 2003. What reassurances would private firms need to operate, and what would it take to reverse the problems that have plagued Venezuela’s oil industry since the presidency of Hugo Chavez?


Trying to make sense of American politics can feel like navigating a maze. Americast, from BBC News, cuts through the noise with a perspective that’s both grounded and far-reaching. You’ll hear from seasoned correspondents like the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, and presenter Justin Webb, who bring decades of experience to the conversation. This isn’t just a recap of headlines; it’s about understanding the forces shaping the United States, from the granular details observed on the ground to the wider historical and social currents at play. The team delves into everything from election campaigns and policy debates to the complex role of disinformation and social media, offering clarity on the stories that define the nation week to week. Relying on the BBC’s global network of journalists, this podcast provides analysis that connects local events to their international significance. For anyone looking to move beyond the soundbites and gain a more nuanced view of American government and society, tuning into this weekly discussion offers a valuable and authoritative resource.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Americast
Podcast Episodes
Trump's war with Iran: What we still don't know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:49
Saturday marks one week of the US-Israel war on Iran. In that time, we have heard shifting stories and opposing justifications from the Trump administration on why military action was taken. BBC North America editor Sara…
What did we learn about Epstein from the Clintons? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:46
In this episode, Justin and Anthony look at other news stories happening in the United States, away from the US-Israel war with Iran. Anthony is in Dallas, Texas, for the first big primary elections of this year’s midter…
Trump's Iran Gamble... What is the US president up to? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:15
In the biggest political gamble of his presidency so far, Donald Trump has defended his decision for the United States to bomb Iran - alongside Israel - as a “noble” mission to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons,…
The battle for Texas: Can Democrats win it back from Trump? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:45
The midterm elections are underway in the Republican stronghold of Texas. Early voting has begun in the primaries and Democrats are hopeful they could win a Texas senate seat for the first time in over 30 years. The elec…
Trump's big, long, State of the Union speech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:20
The Americast team assembles for a late evening/early morning special as President Trump delivers the longest State of the Union address ever. On the agenda was a full-throated defence of the administration’s record, hai…
Trump's Tariffs... Trump attacks the Supreme Court over tariff ban [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:37
Donald Trump has called the Supreme Court’s ruling blocking many of his sweeping tariffs ‘deeply disappointing’ and has announced a new 10 per cent tariff on global imports.Justin, Sarah and Anthony jumped into action fo…