Trump threatens to keep ‘too cute’ Exxon out of Venezuela after CEO provides reality check on ‘univestable’ industry

As other oil executives lavished President Trump with praise at the White House, Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods bluntly said the Venezuelan oil industry is currently “univestable,” and that major reforms are required before even considering committing the many billions of dollars required to revitalize the country’s dilapidated crude business.

Two days later, a miffed Trump told reporters Jan. 11 that he would “probably be inclined to keep Exxon out” of Venezuela. “I didn’t like their response.