Washington has reportedly chosen businessman Alejandro Betancourt to develop 17 oil fields as part of a recently agreed upon deal with Venezuela’s government. The selection is controversial, given existing questions surrounding the origin of Betancourt’s wealth and his connections to the Chavismo political movement. Despite these concerns, the US administration has moved forward with Betancourt as a key player in the oil agreement with Delcy Rodríguez’s interim government. Details surrounding the vetting process and the reasons for selecting Betancourt remain unclear. Critics suggest the decision may overlook past associations and potential conflicts of interest. The deal aims to boost Venezuelan oil production, but Betancourt’s involvement adds a layer of political complexity to the arrangement. This partnership marks a significant step in the thawing of relations between the US and Venezuela, despite ongoing political tensions.