Trump is encouraging U.S. oil executives to invest $100 billion in Venezuela to help rebuild that country after removing its leader, Nicolas Maduro.

A flotilla of about a dozen loaded vessels and at least three other empty ships left Venezuelan waters last month in apparent defiance of an embargo imposed by Trump.

The U.S. has seized the Olina tanker in the Caribbean, the fifth vessel targeted in recent weeks as Washington steps up efforts to curb Venezuelan oil exports, U.S. officials said on Friday.

After arresting Venezuela's president, Trump and top U.S. officials warned other countries could be the targets of American intervention next.

The tepid reception from the industry threatens to further complicate Trump’s unprecedented intervention in Venezuela, which he envisions as a yearslong entanglement aimed at remaking both its political leadership and its oil-centric economy.

Developing Venezuela’s oil industry would require major legal and commercial changes, Exxon CEO Darren Woods told Trump.

Trump holds a meeting of oil CEOs at the White House to project support for his Venezuela plans. But the companies are skeptical.

Nine people considered political prisoners by a leading Venezuelan rights group had been released by Friday afternoon as part of an effort praised by U.S. President Donald Trump, the group said, with families of others anxiously waiting to hear if their relatives would also be freed.

ExxonMobil's CEO said legal and commercial hurdles make Venezuela's oil "uninvestsable" unless the Trump administration pushes major changes.

Exclusive: USAGM chief Kari Lake reveals how the Trump agency expanded coverage during Venezuela operation and Iran protests, reaching millions worldwide.