The government is tolerating small protests and public criticism as Venezuelan leaders try to appease the U.S.

By Sheila Dang and Timothy Gardner Feb 12 (Reuters) - Oil sales from Venezuela controlled by the U.S. have totaled over $1 billion so far and in the next few months will bring in another $5 billion, U.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is visiting Venezuela to assess the country's oil industry as the Trump administration eases sanctions and pushes a major overhaul.

Five weeks post-Operation Absolute Resolve and Venezuela is no closer to democratic elections. Meanwhile, Energy Secretary CHRIS WRIGHT is touring the country’s oil fields with acting President DELCY RODRIGUEZ today, as the White House maintains that its relationship with the interim leadership is going swimmingly.

President Donald Trump denounced one of his purported golfing buddies who's being credited with steering U.S. efforts to revive Venezuela's oil industry.The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday night that energy magnate Harry Sargeant III,

The U.S. is cooperating with a regime in Venezuela it does not recognize, and it's unclear what role the opposition will play in the future.

By Marianna Parraga, Sarah Kinosian and Timothy Gardner CARACAS/HOUSTON, Feb 11 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright pushed on Wednesday for expanded U.S. investments in Venezuela as part of the highest-level U.