U.S. President Donald Trump issued a public disavowal of Harry Sargeant III, a businessman identified by American media as a key figure in informal efforts to revive the Venezuelan oil sector following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. In a message posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump asserted that Sargeant lacks any authority to represent the U.S. in this matter, emphasizing that only those authorized by the State Department are permitted to negotiate on behalf of the country.

This statement from Trump came in response to reports from The Wall Street Journal and other outlets which highlighted Sargeant's active role in promoting the return of American oil companies to Venezuela. Sargeant, a 68-year-old businessman and Republican donor, is known for his connections and has spent time with Trump during social events at Mar-a-Lago. The implications of Trump's disavowal could significantly impact ongoing discussions about U.S. involvement in Venezuela's oil industry, especially in light of the current political climate in the region.

The public rejection of Sargeant not only underscores the sensitive nature of U.S.-Venezuela relations but also raises questions about the future of American companies looking to re-enter the Venezuelan market. With the backdrop of a struggling economy and ongoing sanctions, the U.S. government remains cautious about any engagements that could be perceived as legitimizing Maduro's regime. Trump's firm stance illustrates the administration's attempt to maintain a consistent policy while navigating the complex dynamics at play in Venezuelan politics and the oil industry, which remains a controversial topic in national discussions on energy and foreign policy.