Ben Lefebvre

Ben Lefebvre, POLITICO's deputy energy editor, delves into the Trump administration's covert discussions with major oil companies about re-entering Venezuela if Maduro is ousted. He highlights the White House's strategic foresight regarding Venezuela's energy future. However, oil companies are hesitant due to concerns over asset seizures, infrastructure decay, and security issues. Additionally, Lefebvre considers how fluctuations in oil prices and refinery capacity could influence interest and examines the ideological motivations behind Trump's oil outreach.

Ben Lefebvre, Deputy Energy Editor at POLITICO, unpacks the Trump administration's controversial proposal to open the Atlantic and Pacific oceans for oil drilling. He discusses the anticipated bipartisan backlash, particularly for California Governor Gavin Newsom, who faces a political dilemma balancing energy needs with environmental concerns. Lefebvre also reveals insights into the industry's lukewarm interest in this move and highlights concurrent decisions to open Alaska's wilderness for drilling and mining, raising further environmental alarms.

Ben Lefebvre, deputy energy editor at POLITICO and expert in energy policy, discusses the strategic alliance between the Trump administration and Qatar against EU climate regulations. They argue that these laws could lead to higher energy prices, particularly in the liquefied natural gas sector. Lefebvre reveals how the LNG industry views the sustainability directive as costly and impractical. The conversation explores the implications of this pressure on Europe's climate policies and the broader U.S. strategy to dominate fossil fuel exports.

Ben Lefebvre, an energy reporter at POLITICO, discusses the recent $750 billion energy deal between the EU and the Trump administration. He highlights the challenges in fulfilling this ambitious pledge and its potential conflicts with foreign policy. The conversation also touches on the growing tensions between Trump's energy ambitions and his goals abroad. The episode provides keen insights into how political motivations could complicate U.S.-EU energy relations amid ongoing geopolitical issues.

Ben Lefebvre, an energy reporter for POLITICO, provides an inside look at a recent meeting between President Trump and oil executives. He highlights the industry's concerns about trade policies and tariffs impacting their business. Despite their general support for the administration, executives express worries about low oil prices and trade wars with countries like China and Canada. Lefebvre also discusses the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's potential responses to the changing political landscape and the energy sector's challenges with navigating regulations.