Venezuela Names Paula Henao as New Oil Minister Amid U.S.-Led Industry Overhaul

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez has appointed Paula Henao as the country's new oil minister, marking a significant leadership shift as the South American nation undergoes a sweeping transformation of its energy sector under mounting U.S. influence.

Henao, who previously served as vice oil minister, steps into the role at a pivotal moment. The position opened after Rodriguez herself was elevated to the presidency following the dramatic capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces during a nighttime raid in Caracas on January 3. Maduro, who governed Venezuela for 13 years, now faces federal drug trafficking charges in the United States alongside his wife, Cilia Flores. Both have entered not guilty pleas.

Rodriguez expressed strong confidence in Henao's appointment, citing her deep institutional knowledge and years of service within the ministry as key assets in driving Venezuela's energy recovery forward.

The leadership change comes as Washington actively pushes to expand American investment in Venezuela's oil, gas, and mining industries. President Donald Trump, who has publicly praised Rodriguez for her cooperative stance, proposed a $100 billion reconstruction plan for Venezuela's energy industry shortly after Maduro's removal. In response, Venezuela's legislature passed a major hydrocarbons law reform in January, introducing lower taxes, greater autonomy for private producers, expanded ministerial authority, and provisions enabling asset transfers and outsourcing arrangements.

These reforms are designed to revitalize Venezuela's oil production capacity and attract foreign capital to a sector long constrained by sanctions and mismanagement. The country holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, making its energy potential a central focus of both regional geopolitics and global energy markets.

Henao's leadership will be closely watched as Venezuela navigates this unprecedented transition between socialist governance and renewed international economic engagement.