The Trump administration is pushing major U.S. oil producers to make a comeback in Venezuela's energy sector. But seasoned energy trader Baron Lamarre isn't buying the narrative. His take? Political promises alone won't cut it.

Lamarre's real concern centers on one brutal reality: expropriation risk. Without concrete legal protections and guarantees, companies pouring capital into Venezuelan operations face serious exposure. Past expropriations should serve as a cautionary tale here. The fundamental issue isn't just about policy momentum—it's about whether the actual safeguards exist to protect real money when political winds shift.

The bottom line: geopolitical tailwinds can shift fast. Investors chasing returns need more than rhetoric.