US pushes for Venezuela's mineral wealth

The White House is pursuing greater U.S. access to Venezuela's minerals, including gold, as it seeks to expand its influence over the South American nation's natural resources beyond oil, according to sources familiar with the discussions. This push could open Venezuela's mining sector to U.S. investment and provide U.S. companies with access to minerals crucial for national security.

The administration is considering a possible executive order focused on critical minerals, though the strategy could still change. U.S. officials have met with companies to gauge interest in investing in or participating in Venezuela's mining sector. The effort aligns with President Donald Trump's strategy to reassert U.S. influence across Latin America and push back against China's expanding economic footprint in the region.