Trump just brokered a deal with the country sitting atop the world's largest oil reserves

Yet Venezuela has long struggled to turn that oil wealth into steady production. Political instability and deteriorating infrastructure have left the country producing only about 1% of the world's oil despite holding an estimated 17% of global reserves.

For Trump, the potential benefit goes beyond the deal's headline number.

A steadier Venezuelan supply could support Gulf Coast refineries, diversify U.S. oil imports and provide a buffer against future supply disruptions. It could also help replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which remains well below its 714 million-barrel authorized capacity.

For Trump, the deal is a bet that long-term access to Venezuelan heavy crude can strengthen U.S. energy security and eventually ease costs for Americans.

Whether it translates into relief at the pump will depend on how quickly Venezuela can turn its vast reserves into market-ready barrels.