‘Forget that’: Trump cuts off gas price talk as Venezuela oil output surges toward 50% growth — how that could impact the market

The moment, which went viral online, came during a Cabinet meeting where officials were discussing how increased oil output from Venezuela could flow into U.S. refineries, potentially easing pump prices.

It also comes at a time when Venezuela is undergoing a dramatic transformation following the U.S.-backed abduction of the longtime leader Nicolás Maduro.

Trump cuts off gas price discussion

Before the interruption, Burgum was laying out what could be a significant economic development.

After visiting Venezuela in early March, he described a country eager to rebuild its oil sector and reconnect with global markets, including the U.S.

According to Burgum, “Their production on oil production… is climbing towards 50% increase just in the three months we've been here. That flows to American refineries on the Gulf Coast, lowering the price of gas in America,” he added just before being cut off.

What’s changed in Venezuela since Maduro’s removal

To Trump’s credit, Burgum was the first to inject the Trump statue idea into the conversation.

“I literally think they're going to put a statue to President Trump. And I'm not being it's not a political statement. It's an actual thing,” Burgum said earlier in the meeting.

Following the removal of Maduro in early 2026, Venezuela’s new government has moved quickly to reopen its oil sector to foreign investment and restore ties with the U.S. (2).

That’s a significant change for a country that holds the world's largest proven oil reserves but has struggled for years with declining production (3).

Under Maduro, oil output collapsed from roughly 3 million barrels per day in 2013 to around 500,000 barrels per day by 2020, weighed down by sanctions, mismanagement and a lack of investment (4).

Now, with American companies returning and infrastructure being revived, production is beginning to rebound. That has implications far beyond Venezuela’s borders.

Why Venezuela’s oil matters for your wallet

Venezuela isn’t just another oil producer — it’s one of the most resource-rich energy countries in the world, despite its small presence in the energy market (5).

When its production rises, it will add supply to global markets. In simple terms, more supply can put downward pressure on oil prices.

When fuel costs drop, transportation becomes cheaper. That translates into a dip in shipping costs and takes the pressure off businesses to raise prices to make a profit.

That matters because oil prices are closely tied not only to what you pay for at the pump, but also to what you pay for everything that needs to be transported. That’s groceries, consumer goods and so on.

In that sense, even modest shifts in oil supply can have a meaningful impact on everyday expenses.

Markets don’t move in straight lines

Still, it’s not that simple.

Even with rising production, oil markets are shaped by a wide range of factors, including geopolitical tensions, global demand and policy decisions.

That means more supply doesn’t always translate into immediate savings for consumers.

Markets can be volatile. Prices can swing, and outcomes can change quickly. For investors, that uncertainty is often the bigger story.

How investors hedge uncertainty

Even if rising oil supply eventually helps ease gas prices, the markets don’t always respond the way we want them to.

That’s why some investors look beyond traditional stocks and bonds when uncertainty rises.

Gold

One traditional hedge is gold, which has historically held its value during periods of economic uncertainty and inflation.

Physical gold, in particular, is often seen as a way to protect purchasing power when currencies weaken or markets become volatile.

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If you’d like to convert an existing IRA into a gold IRA, Priority Gold offers 100% free rollover, as well as free shipping and free storage for up to five years. Qualifying purchases can also receive up to $10,000 in free silver.

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Real estate

Real estate is another asset class that tends to draw attention during uncertain times.

Unlike commodities, income-producing properties can generate cash flow and benefit from rising rents over time.

Rental properties have long been a proven source of steady, passive income for high-net-worth investors. It’s no wonder that real estate accounts for nearly 25% of the typical family office portfolio.

However, the time, effort, and costs involved in managing and maintaining multiple properties prevent many from investing. So unless you’re a hedge fund titan or an oil baron, you’ve been shut out of one of the most profitable corners of the market.

That’s where mogul comes in. This real estate investment platform offers fractional ownership in blue-chip rental properties, which gives investors monthly rental income, real-time appreciation and tax benefits — without the need for a hefty down payment or 3 a.m. tenant calls.

Founded by former Goldman Sachs real estate investors, the mogul team handpicks the top 1% of single-family rental homes nationwide for you. Simply put, you can invest in institutional-quality offerings at a fraction of the usual cost.

Each property undergoes a vetting process that requires a minimum 12% return, even in downside scenarios. Across the board, the platform features an average annual IRR of 18.8%. Their cash-on-cash yields, meanwhile, average between 10% to 12% annually. Offerings often sell out in under three hours, with investments typically ranging between $15,000 and $40,000 per property.

Every investment is secured by real assets and is not dependent on the platform’s viability. Each property is held in a standalone Propco LLC, so investors own the property — not the platform. Blockchain-based fractionalization adds a layer of safety, ensuring a permanent, verifiable record of each stake.