• Trump may block Exxon Mobil from investing in Venezuela.
• Exxon CEO called Venezuela 'uninvestable' due to legal concerns.
• Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Exxon's stance during a White House meeting.
• Investment in Venezuela is part of a broader U.S. strategy to revitalize the oil sector.
• New executive order aims to protect Venezuelan oil revenues from legal actions.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on January 11 that he might prevent Exxon Mobil from investing in Venezuela after the company's CEO, Darren Woods, labeled the country "uninvestable" during a recent White House meeting. Trump's dissatisfaction stemmed from Woods' comments that highlighted the need for significant changes in Venezuela's investment laws before U.S. firms could consider re-entering the market, as noted in both Reuters and Channel News Asia.

During his remarks aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed that he did not appreciate Exxon's response, stating, "They're playing too cute." These comments reflect Trump's ongoing goal to persuade U.S. oil companies to invest billions to rejuvenate the Venezuelan oil sector, underscoring the economic stakes involved, according to India Times.

Woods elaborated that securing investment protections would be essential for any future engagement with Venezuela, emphasizing the need for reforms in the country's hydrocarbons law. He noted that previous asset seizures had made re-entry into Venezuela particularly daunting for Exxon, further complicating U.S. efforts to stabilize the region economically, as reiterated by Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Adding to the complexities, Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at shielding Venezuelan oil revenues from being used in judicial processes, illustrating a broader strategy to ensure economic stability in Venezuela amid ongoing political tensions. This executive move coincided with Trump's efforts to manage U.S. relations with oil-producing nations in the region, according to India Times.