The White House hosted a surprise Friday visit from former Fox host Tucker Carlson, who attended a meeting where President Trump urged oil executives to back a plan to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. Carlson, appearing notably thinner, signaled cautious support for the administration’s stated goal of securing Venezuelan oil while continuing to clash publicly with parts of the MAGA movement. Industry leaders said Venezuela is currently “uninvestable” and that legal and commercial reforms will be needed before major investment could proceed.
Tucker Carlson, Looking Gaunt, Makes Surprise White House Appearance As Trump Pushes For Venezuelan Oil Investment
Carlson attended the Friday meeting with oil executives at the White House. / Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
The White House received an unannounced visitor Friday when former Fox News host Tucker Carlson attended a meeting in the East Room between President Donald Trump and senior oil-industry executives to discuss the administration’s intervention in Venezuela and plans for its oil reserves.
Appearing noticeably thinner than in previous public appearances, Carlson was photographed standing against a wall and applauding as President Trump entered the room. His attendance drew attention given his recent public disagreements with the president and other figures in the MAGA movement.
What Took Place
At the meeting, President Trump sought to persuade leaders from major oil companies, including Chevron and ExxonMobil, to invest in rebuilding Venezuela’s damaged oil infrastructure. Trump pledged "total safety, total security" for U.S. companies and urged roughly $100 billion in private investment to restore production in a nation long central to global crude markets.
“We’re going to be extracting numbers in terms of oil like few people have seen,” Trump told assembled executives. “Venezuela is going to be very successful, and the people of the United States are going to be big beneficiaries.”
Carlson’s Presence And Comments
Carlson — who has repeatedly broken with elements of the MAGA coalition on foreign policy — has criticized U.S. support for Israel and expressed reservations about past strikes on Iran. He has also drawn controversy for interviewing far-right provocateur Nick Fuentes and for reported ties to foreign interests.
Despite a history of opposing U.S. interventions abroad, Carlson expressed cautious approval for the administration’s approach to Venezuela on his podcast, framing it as unusually candid. “Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserve in the world,” he said. “It’s in our hemisphere. It’s going to China. And how about, no, this is our hemisphere. It’s going to go to us. He just said it out loud.”
Carlson speaks during the memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025. / Eric Thayer / Getty Images
On a follow-up episode Carlson suggested it might be "a wiser approach" to preserve Venezuela’s existing government structure while working to ensure the country becomes "pro-American," rather than attempting immediate regime change.
Industry Reaction
Chevron’s vice chairman, Mark Nelson, described his company as committed to Venezuela’s energy future, saying Chevron has been part of the country’s past and looks forward to helping rebuild its oil sector. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods called Venezuela currently “uninvestable,” saying significant legal and commercial changes would be required before ExxonMobil would consider major commitments.
Executives emphasized the need for stable investment conditions and legal certainty before committing large sums — a point Trump said his administration would work to achieve in coordination with Venezuelan authorities.
Context And Reaction
Carlson’s attendance highlights an unusual moment of overlap between a media figure who has at times criticized the administration and a White House seeking private-sector partners for an ambitious energy plan. Observers also noted public speculation about Carlson’s recent weight loss after a photo from a podcast interview circulated online; Carlson has previously spoken candidly about health and lifestyle changes following his time at Fox News.
The meeting underscores how the administration’s aggressive posture toward Venezuela — described by critics as an invasion by some observers — has shifted the conversation toward rapid reconstruction and private investment in a country with the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
Help us improve.
