Trump considers tariffs instead of canceling Biden-Maduro oil deal

President Donald Trump is reconsidering his plan to end an oil deal made by former President Joe Biden with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Instead of canceling the deal, Trump may impose tariffs on Venezuelan oil to protect U.S. companies. On Wednesday, Trump met with oil executives and Cabinet members at the White House. They discussed how to deal with Maduro while boosting the U.S. oil industry. One suggestion included finding ways to improve oil imports from Venezuela without harming U.S. interests. Trump has criticized Maduro for failing to meet obligations in the agreement that Biden made. He previously ordered U.S. oil companies to begin withdrawing from Venezuela. Trump described Biden's deal as ineffective and mentioned concerns over criminals sent to the U.S. from Venezuela. During the meeting, discussions focused on balancing U.S. foreign policy with the desire to benefit from Venezuela's oil, which is valuable for U.S. refineries. Trump aims to lower energy prices in the U.S. and create jobs through this strategy. The meeting comes amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela, a country that used to be a key oil supplier to the U.S. According to Trump, taking a hardline stance could help promote democracy in Venezuela and other countries in the region facing similar issues.