President Trump has broken with decades of American precedent by seizing control of Venezuela's oil industry following the capture of its leader, Nicolás Maduro. The United States is now forcing Venezuela to turn over millions of barrels of oil for sale and is pressuring American companies to begin drilling in the country, which holds the world's largest proven oil reserves. Critics, both domestic and international, have condemned the move as a violation of international law and a revival of colonial-era exploitation, warning that it could provoke strong resistance from Venezuelans and fuel anti-American sentiment.

Historically, while American foreign policy has often been shaped by the pursuit of oil, previous administrations stopped short of outright seizure, even after military interventions in oil-rich countries like Iraq and Kuwait. The current approach marks a sharp departure, with analysts warning that it risks repeating the mistakes of the past by stoking resentment and instability. The move has also drawn condemnation from countries such as China, Spain, and several Latin American nations, who denounce the external appropriation of Venezuela's natural resources.

Experts caution that the perception of foreign exploitation can have lasting consequences, as seen in Iraq, where suspicions of an oil grab fueled insurgency and undermined trust. In Venezuela, the risks and costs for American companies remain high, and any attempt at direct control is likely to be met with fierce opposition from the local population.