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Trump discusses continuing blockade at meeting with energy executives at White House, sources say

By Alayna Treene

President Donald Trump and some of his top aides met with executives at the White House on Tuesday, where they discussed measures that could be taken to continue the blockade for months, if needed, and how to limit the effects on American consumers, White House officials told CNN.

The conversation was part of a broader discussion about the continued strain on oil prices amid the war with Iran, among other topics such as oil exports from Venezuelan, the officials said.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hosted the meeting, which was also attended by Vice President JD Vance, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, one of the officials said.

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth attended, as did executives from Trafigura, Vitol and Mercuria.

“The President meets with energy executives frequently to get their feedback on domestic and international energy markets — and they met yesterday,” the official said. “The executives discussed many topics including domestic production, progress in Venezuela, oil futures, natural gas, and shipping.”

Another official said meeting attendees praised the blockade, encouraged Trump to keep it in place and asked for more Jones Act waivers.

The president granted a ​90-day extension to the Jones Act waiver last week, making it easier to move oil, gas and other commodities throughout the US.