Trump's 'Stole' Oil Remark Misreads Venezuela's Nationalization History

FactCheck.org notes that Trump’s claim that Venezuela “stole” U.S. oil oversimplifies history. Venezuela nationalized its oil industry in 1975, creating PDVSA and gaining control over production; a 2007 move further increased state ownership in the Orinoco Belt, with some foreign partners expropriated and others allowed to stay under revised terms. Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips pursued arbitration and were awarded large sums, though payments have been incomplete; other firms like Chevron continued operations under new terms. The oil itself remains owned by Venezuela, and future investment depends on governance, sanctions relief, and reforms. The piece also notes a U.S. idea to seize and monetize some oil already produced, illustrating ongoing policy debate rather than a simple transfer of property.