Trump eyes control of Venezuela’s PDVSA to slash oil prices

Core Viewpoint - The US is considering an initiative to gain control of Venezuela's state-run oil company, PDVSA, with the goal of reducing oil prices to $50 per barrel [1] Group 1: US-Venezuela Oil Relations - The US is exploring a deal to purchase and distribute PDVSA's oil, potentially collaborating with major oil companies like Chevron [2] - PDVSA has confirmed ongoing negotiations with the US regarding oil sales, with expectations that the US will buy cargoes at international market rates [2] - An agreement has been announced allowing the US access to up to $2 billion in Venezuelan crude oil, indicating a shift in Venezuelan authorities' stance towards US oil company involvement [3] Group 2: Impact of US Policies - A blockade imposed by the Trump administration has hindered Venezuela from exporting millions of barrels of crude, leading to a backlog of unsold crude [4] - The recent capture of Venezuela's president, Nicolás Maduro, by US forces has further strained relations between the two countries [4]