President Donald Trump has publicly stated that the primary reason for the U.S. military's increased presence in the Caribbean regarding Venezuela is the country's involvement in drug production and smuggling. However, there is an alternative economic perspective that suggests the U.S. interest may be more closely tied to Venezuela's oil resources.

Despite the United States being the largest oil producer globally, Venezuela still holds substantial reserves of heavy crude oil, which is essential for U.S. refineries primarily designed to process this type of oil. The U.S. shale boom has resulted in a predominance of light crude oil production domestically, creating a mismatch with refinery capabilities. Consequently, the U.S. remains reliant on imports of heavy crude oil to meet the operational needs of its refineries, particularly those located in Texas and Louisiana.

Currently, Canada is the primary source of heavy oil for the U.S., but Venezuela's vast reserves present an alternative option. The geopolitical implications of U.S. military actions in Venezuela, framed within the context of drug trafficking, may obscure the underlying economic motivations related to energy security and corporate interests in the oil sector.