Bloomberg Talks John Bolton Talks Venezuela, US Access to Oil Reserves
Jan 6, 2026
John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor and Ambassador to the UN, discusses the ongoing complexities in Venezuela. He emphasizes that while Maduro's face is gone, the regime remains intact, citing persistent loyalists. Bolton expresses skepticism about the White House's leverage strategies, particularly oil embargoes. He highlights the immense investment needed to rebuild Venezuela's oil sector amidst instability, and critiques the U.S. stance on opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, all while noting the strategic interests of global powers like China and Russia.
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Face Removed But Regime Remains
- John Bolton says removing Maduro's face doesn't equal regime change in Venezuela.
- He warns the core regime remains intact despite Maduro's ouster and stolen election claims.
Undermining Opposition Hurts Credibility
- Bolton criticizes President Trump's public attack on opposition leader María Corina Machado.
- He argues undermining opposition leadership damages U.S. credibility with Venezuelans.
Maduro's Blocked Meeting Claim
- Nicolás Maduro claimed John Bolton blocked a planned 2018 U.N. meeting with Donald Trump.
- Bolton flatly denies the claim and calls it fabricated.