US foreign policy under former President Donald Trump continues to draw scrutiny as analysts question the long-term viability of his Venezuela oil strategy. David Castrillon, a research professor at Colombia's Externado University, recently told China Media Group (CMG) that Trump's approach appears driven by dual goals of political stabilization and personal profit – objectives he claims are fundamentally misaligned.
"The math doesn't add up," Castrillon emphasized, noting the inherent contradictions in attempting to simultaneously stabilize Venezuela's political landscape while leveraging its oil revenues for private gain. This analysis comes as energy markets watch closely for shifts in US-Venezuela relations following recent political developments.
While Castrillon didn't specify current implementation details, his comments highlight ongoing debates about resource-driven diplomacy in Latin America. For investors and policymakers, the remarks underscore the complex risk calculations required when navigating Venezuela's volatile energy sector and political environment in 2026.
