<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>CARACAS, Venezuela — </strong>Energy Secretary Chris Wright is broadening the traditionally domestic-oriented department he leads with a more global outlook.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wright, 61, is responsible for delivering President Donald Trump’s energy dominance agenda. This includes facilitating the buildout of nuclear power in the United States, increasing domestic oil and gas production, expanding exports of fossil fuels abroad, and reducing global reliance on Russia and other adversaries.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wright’s public profile has risen since January 3, when the Trump administration ordered a military raid in Caracas that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, whose regime nationalized the country’s oil industry.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wright is also tasked with facilitating the flow of petroleum products out of the Middle East and negotiating a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. This is complicated by Iran’s intermittent closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img alt="U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, left, meets with Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)" class="wp-image-4743482" height="600" src="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AP26245635381639.jpg?w=696" style="width: 873px; height: auto;" width="900" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, left, meets with Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)</figcaption></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Foreign policy has always consumed a significant amount of time for the Energy Department, which oversees the nation’s nuclear weapons program. However, Wright is more involved in foreign affairs than his predecessors since the department's creation in 1977, potentially reshaping global energy markets.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wright, the founder and ex-CEO of oilfield services company Liberty Energy, stated in an interview that global affairs are a natural part of the job. He remarked, "Energy has become a fabric of international discussion," emphasizing his interest in global energy issues.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eyes-on-iran-and-venezuela-nbsp">Focus on Iran and Venezuela</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following Maduro's ousting, Wright has led efforts to rejuvenate Venezuela’s oil industry. He became the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the country in February, indicating a shift toward more foreign engagement.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wright has engaged in negotiations with the interim government, meeting multiple times with acting President Delcy Rodriguez. He has also been involved in discussions regarding U.S. investments in Venezuela through a deal with North American Blue Energy Partners.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In early September, Wright oversaw the signing of agreements among five energy companies and Venezuela to increase oil and gas drilling. He has advocated for using increased imports of Venezuelan oil to replenish U.S. emergency reserves.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaks with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez" class="wp-image-4710562" height="683" src="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/wright-rodriguez-palace-steps.jpg?w=696" width="1024" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaks with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez on Sept. 2, 2026, at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela. (Callie Patteson/Washington Examiner)</figcaption></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Globally, Wright has worked to maintain stability in oil markets despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which has affected about 20% of global oil trade. The ongoing conflict with Iran has led to increased oil and gasoline prices, although traffic through the strait has slowly recovered.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Earlier this month, Wright reported that on August 31, approximately 17 million barrels of oil and gas products passed through the strait, the highest since the conflict began. He expressed optimism regarding a timeline for repairs to infrastructure damaged in the conflict.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Neil Atkinson, former head of oil at the International Energy Agency, described Wright as an “international energy secretary,” noting that his role has expanded significantly amid current geopolitical challenges.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spread-too-thin">Concerns About Focus</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wright has faced criticism for prioritizing foreign relations while domestic energy stability is a concern. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) stated that the American public is experiencing rising electricity bills and criticized Wright for focusing on international fossil fuel interests.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While energy secretaries have historically engaged in foreign affairs, Wright’s approach is notable. Previous secretaries have also been involved in international initiatives, but Wright’s tenure emphasizes a more public-facing role.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During his recent visit to Venezuela, Wright spent less than 24 hours in the country, following a trip to Alaska and events in Colorado and Texas. He acknowledged feeling pulled in many directions but emphasized the collaborative nature of his role.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="Energy Secretary Chris Wright meets with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez." class="wp-image-4710025" height="702" src="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Wright-Rodriguez.jpg?w=696" width="1024" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Energy Secretary Chris Wright meets with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez on Sept. 2, 2026, in Caracas. (Callie Patteson/Washington Examiner)</figcaption></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wright noted that his team is integral to the efforts to enhance U.S. energy vibrancy, involving cross-department collaboration.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Atkinson pointed out that while Wright has been a visible figure in oil negotiations, other administration officials lead discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setting-the-bar">Future Implications</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wright’s approach to foreign engagement may set a precedent for future energy secretaries. He believes that energy is central to economies, security, and foreign relations, which has influenced the administration’s energy agenda.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">By 2029, Venezuela is expected to see gradual growth in oil production and export volumes to the U.S., which may encourage future administrations to invest in the country’s energy sector.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Looking ahead, a Democratic administration may focus on repairing relations with Canada, impacted by trade tensions during the Trump administration.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Everything will not suddenly change on Jan. 20, 2029,” Atkinson said, noting that the geopolitical realities are likely to remain consistent.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Callie Patteson (@CalliePatteson) is an energy and environment reporter for the </em>Washington Examiner<em>.</em></p>