Oil deal with Venezuela stirs fears of democratic setback

Trump’s oil agreement with Venezuela would give the United States a sizable stake in a private oil venture and preferential access to production, a move proponents say could aid energy needs but opponents warn may entrench the Maduro-aligned regime under interim President Delcy Rodríguez and delay or undermine free elections. The White House says the deal is with a private entity and does not set a political timeline, while officials differ on its impact on Venezuela’s democratic transition, with some urging rapid, fair elections and others signaling a more cautious horizon.