Trump Energy Chief Says US Aims to ‘Set Free’ Venezuelan Economy

WATCH: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is meeting with acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas.Source: Bloomberg

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By Andrew Rosati and Annmarie Hordern

February 11, 2026 at 4:11 PM UTC

Updated on

February 11, 2026 at 10:15 PM UTC

President Donald Trump’s energy chief said that the US can help Venezuela drive a “dramatic increase” in oil, natural gas and electricity output this year, as Washington works to issue new licenses aimed at “setting free” the country’s economy.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright spoke to reporters after meeting with acting President Delcy Rodríguez and other top Venezuelan officials at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, as the US pushes to revive Venezuela’s beleaguered oil sector.