Caleb Orr: US Is Helping Venezuela "Recover Not only Its Oil Sector, but Its Entire Economy"

Atlantic Council
Atlantic CouncilJun 12, 2026

Why It Matters

The plan positions the United States to capture new oil and investment opportunities while reshaping geopolitical dynamics in Latin America.

Key Takeaways

  • Trump administration initiated decisive steps to stabilize Venezuela’s economy.
  • U.S. delegation currently in Caracas to re‑engage with Caracas officials.
  • Efforts focus on reviving oil production and modernizing regulations.
  • Financial sector reforms aim to reconnect Venezuela to Western markets.
  • Goal: restore Venezuela as a prosperous, strategic U.S. partner.

Summary

President Caleb Orr announced that the Trump administration has taken decisive action to stabilize Venezuela and set it on a path toward economic recovery. He highlighted a U.S. delegation stationed in Caracas, underscoring renewed diplomatic engagement and coordination across the State Department and inter‑agency partners.

The core of the effort centers on reviving Venezuela’s oil output, modernizing its regulatory framework, and overhauling the financial sector to align with Western standards. Orr stressed that these steps are intended to reconnect the country to global markets, attract upstream investment, and restore fiscal credibility after two decades of socialist policies.

"We are helping Venezuela recover not only its oil sector, but its entire economy," Orr said, adding that President Trump "set us in a solid position" to achieve these goals. He cited Venezuela’s natural strengths—its skilled workforce and historic oil wealth—as foundations for a rapid rebound.

If successful, the initiative could reshape U.S. influence in Latin America, open lucrative oil and infrastructure contracts for American firms, and signal a broader shift toward market‑based reforms in a region long dominated by socialist governments.

Original Description

Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Economic Energy, and Business Affairs Caleb Orr says Venezuela has experienced a transformation under US engagement.
“We’re helping Venezuela recover not only its oil sector, but its entire economy after its suffering through over 20 years of socialism,” he tells the Atlantic Council’s David Goldwyn at the Global Energy Forum.

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