Paul Singer became a billionaire through his vulture hedge fund ($65.5 billion in assets). He is also a major Republican donor and has given President Trump and related PACs millions of dollars. In November 2025, at a mandated fire sale, Singer paid $5.9 billion for Citgo, Venezuela’s $18 billion oil company. In December 2025, a U.S. judge approved the sale. In January 2026, days after Venezuela challenged the sale, Trump invaded Venezuela, captured President Maduro, and asserted control over the country. Some people claim that Trump’s actions violated our Constitution and international law. If Trump lifts his embargo on Venezuelan oil, Singer might be able to sell Citgo for $12 to $18 billion.

 

Also, this month, Trump asked our major oil companies to invest in repairing Venezuela’s infrastructure so its oil can be extracted. But there is a snag. The oil companies are reluctant to comply. Fixing the infrastructure is a long-term endeavor that will cost $100 to $200 billion. Political uncertainty is high, gas prices are weak, and Venezuela probably has only a third of the oil reserves it claims. Trump offered the oil companies a guarantee on their investment. One can assume that the guarantee comes courtesy of the American taxpayer. 

 

Rebuilding Iraq cost US taxpayers $2 trillion. How much will rebuilding Venezuela cost us?

                                                                           Michael Garing