Trump May Pull the Ultimate Power Move to Bring Venezuelan Dictator Maduro to His Knees

One of the biggest forces keeping Venezuela’s fragile economy afloat isn’t its socialist government—it’s the American oil giant Chevron. With a special U.S. waiver, the company has boosted oil production and indirectly fueled a small economic recovery. But President Trump is weighing whether to revoke that waiver, potentially cutting off a major financial lifeline for Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

Key Facts:

Chevron holds a U.S. waiver allowing it to operate in Venezuela despite sanctions, helping oil production rise above 1 million barrels per day.
Trump is considering canceling the waiver, which would severely impact Venezuela’s economy and Maduro’s control over oil revenues.
Chevron contributes significantly to Venezuela’s economy, paying an estimated $4 billion in taxes over the past two years—about a quarter of the government’s revenue.
Maduro’s government has loosened control over oil operations, allowing Chevron more financial and trading autonomy, leading to economic benefits.
Trump recently restarted deportation flights and secured the release of six Americans after sending an envoy to meet with Maduro, signaling a new strategy.

The Rest of The Story:

Chevron has been operating in Venezuela for over a century, but its role has never been more critical.

With Venezuela’s state oil company crippled by mismanagement and sanctions, Chevron has become the backbone of the country’s oil sector, indirectly stimulating economic activity.

The company’s revenue helps stabilize Venezuela’s currency, supports local businesses, and keeps oil exports flowing.

Under the Biden administration, the Chevron waiver remained intact, with the expectation that increased economic activity might push Maduro toward democratic reforms.

That hasn’t happened.

Now, with Trump back in office, the approach is shifting.

His administration is reviewing Chevron’s operations, with Trump himself suggesting the waiver’s days might be numbered.

If revoked, it would choke off a major source of foreign currency for Venezuela, putting massive pressure on Maduro.

Bloomberg: "The revenue Chevron generates in dollars from rising oil production stays in the country and mostly gets reinvested in local currency through private banks […] all out of the clutches of the government."https://t.co/JF6JxsqDUz

— Orinoco Research (@OrinocoResearch) February 24, 2025

Commentary:

Venezuela is not just another struggling economy—it is a hostile regime that has actively worked against U.S. interests.

Maduro’s government has aligned itself with America’s adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran, while overseeing a country riddled with corruption, human rights abuses, and socialist failures.

It’s clear that Venezuela’s economy is only functioning because of Chevron’s operations.

That alone proves the U.S. has significant leverage.

The question is: Will Trump use it?

For years, the left has insisted that sanctions hurt ordinary Venezuelans more than Maduro.

But the reality is, allowing Chevron to continue operations props up a dictator who has driven millions into poverty while enriching his inner circle.

By canceling the waiver, Trump would put Maduro in a tough position—either negotiate or face economic collapse.

There’s also a national security angle.

A stable Venezuela means fewer migrants crossing the U.S. border.

If Trump can extract real concessions from Maduro—whether on migration, political prisoners, or economic reforms—using Chevron as a bargaining chip makes sense.

Some argue Chevron’s presence is stabilizing, preventing another economic freefall.

But stability under a dictatorship is just another way of saying the regime gets to continue its grip on power.

Trump’s diplomatic playbook is clear: deal from strength.

Unlike the Obama and Biden approaches, which banked on goodwill and appeasement, Trump understands that the only way to force change in Venezuela is through pressure.

That’s what the Chevron waiver represents—leverage.

And Trump has never been one to leave leverage on the table.

The Bottom Line:

Chevron’s operations have been crucial to Venezuela’s economic survival, giving the U.S. a powerful bargaining tool.

Trump is weighing whether to pull that card, which could force Maduro into concessions or accelerate the country’s collapse.

Either way, America holds the upper hand, and it’s about time that advantage is used to advance U.S. interests.