The South American country has natural gas that could be extracted and exported quickly, but U.S. sanctions, which are now being eased, have stymied development.

MAIQUETIA, Venezuela (AP) — A shipment from the United States of medicine and medical supplies arrived in Venezuela on Friday, reflecting a new spirit of cooperation between the two countries following the stunning capture last month of then-President Nicolás Maduro.

The use of the model through a contract with Palantir highlights the growing role of AI in the Pentagon.

Trump's possible visit would mark the first trip by a sitting U.S. president to Venezuela in years and symbolize a dramatic shift in bilateral relations after a prolonged period of hostility.

The U.S. eased sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector on Friday, issuing two general licenses that allow global energy companies to operate oil and gas projects in the OPEC member and for other companies to negotiate contracts to bring in fresh investments.

The government is tolerating small protests and public criticism as Venezuelan leaders try to appease the U.S.

Secretary Chris Wright has found himself in a position unlike that of any other person who has led the Energy Department: at the center of an ambitious rejuvenation of a foreign country’s oil industry.

Carlos Roberto García, an ex-mayor opposed to the Maduro regime, fled Venezuela in 2017. He faces deportation to a country with a long history of punishing political dissidents.

Guyana’s open investment model contrasts with Venezuela’s mismanagement, showing how oil policy choices drive growth, stability, and geopolitical alignment. Guyana’s Finance Minister Ashni Singh has presented his budget for 2026.