Trump signals US control over Venezuela’s oil reserves worth a staggering $17T, the largest in the world. How to bet big on America in 2026

Venezuela is estimated to hold the world’s largest proven oil reserves, totaling roughly 303 billion barrels, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (2). At current crude oil prices, that oil would be worth more than $17 trillion.

Trump said U.S. oil companies are eager to get involved.

When asked which companies he had spoken with, Trump replied: “All of them basically,” adding that “they want to go in so badly (3).”

Betting on America

The scale of the opportunity has drawn attention across the energy sector.

On Jan. 5, shares of Chevron (CVX) — the only U.S. oil company currently operating in Venezuela — surged 5.3%.

“If Trump is successful in seeing a more pro-U.S. and pro-investment government take shape in Venezuela, Chevron is best placed [to control Venezuelan oil] given they are already well positioned there,” said Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial (4).

Other energy stocks also advanced. ConocoPhillips (COP) rose 2.6%, Exxon Mobil (XOM) climbed 2.3%, while refiner Valero Energy (VLO) saw a 9.3% gain on Jan. 5.

Analysts at JPMorgan highlighted the broader opportunity in a report.

“U.S. companies that may become involved in Venezuela are primarily major oil firms like Chevron, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. Chevron already has a presence in the country, while others are exploring opportunities to recover previously expropriated assets and invest in Venezuela's massive heavy crude reserves,” the analysts wrote (5).

“There may also be interest from U.S Gulf Coast refiners seeking less costly sources of heavy oil.”

Investors following these developments can either focus on individual energy stocks or gain broader exposure through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

For instance, the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE), which tracks the energy sector of the S&P 500, rose 2.7% on Jan. 5.

The beauty of ETF investing is its accessibility — anyone, regardless of wealth, can take advantage of it. Even small amounts can grow over time with tools like Acorns, a popular app that automatically invests your spare change.

Signing up for Acorns takes just minutes: Link your cards and Acorns will round up each purchase to the nearest dollar, investing the difference — your spare change — into a diversified portfolio. With Acorns, you can invest in ETFs with as little as $5 — and, if you sign up today with a recurring deposit, Acorns will add a $20 bonus to help you begin your investment journey.

The asset that made Trump rich

Betting on America doesn’t have to mean stocks alone. Real estate has long been another cornerstone of wealth-building in the U.S. — an area Trump himself knows well.

Before politics, Trump made his fortune in real estate — and the asset class remains a powerful tool for building and preserving wealth, especially during inflationary times. That’s because property values and rental income tend to rise along with the cost of living.

Unlike some other investments, real estate doesn’t need a roaring stock market to deliver returns. Even during downturns, high-quality properties can generate rental income — potentially offering a dependable stream of passive cash flow.

As Trump told Steve Forbes back in 2011, “I just notice that when you have that right piece of property, whatever it might be, including location, it tends to work well in good times and in bad times (6).”

Today, you don’t need to buy a property outright to benefit from real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

The process is simple: Browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment.

Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to triple net leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.

A timeless safe haven

While oil and real estate are closely tied to growth, shifting geopolitical dynamics often lead investors to consider assets meant to hedge uncertainty.

Gold has historically played that role, particularly during periods of political tension or global realignment.