White House briefs lawmakers on Venezuela, Trump plans oil meeting

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters on January 7, 2026, detailing U.S. actions related to Venezuela following the recent capture of Nicolás Maduro. Leavitt said the U.S. has “maximum leverage” over Venezuela’s interim authorities and is in close coordination with them. She confirmed President Trump will meet with major U.S. oil executives on January 9 to discuss revitalizing Venezuela’s oil sector. Leavitt’s remarks came as lawmakers were being briefed on Capitol Hill about Venezuela policy and broader foreign policy objectives. The administration has also signaled continued interest in Greenland, calling military options “always available,” though top allies have rejected any forced takeover.