The order follows turbulence in the country's political landscape, including the capture of Maduro by U.S. forces last week.

The president wants U.S. oil companies to return in a big way, but the petrostate’s turbulent history suggests formidable challenges ahead.

President Trump has said Venezuela "unilaterally seized and sold American oil." But the history between the countries is far more complicated, experts note.

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.

Exxon, ConocoPhillips (COP.N) and Chevron were for decades the most prominent partners of state company PDVSA, contributing to developing output at the vast Orinoco Belt, which is now the country's main oil region.

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

Energy experts say the US and China are diverging on the energy transition, with China sprinting far ahead on renewables and EVs, while the US doubles down on drilling oil at home and abroad.

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