A recent meeting at the White House featuring President Donald Trump and leadership from major oil companies has sparked fresh turmoil within conservative circles. The discussion, focused on tapping into Venezuela’s extensive energy resources, has drawn sharp criticism from prominent pro-Trump activist Laura Loomer, who admonished Fox News host Tucker Carlson for his participation in the session.
The meeting, held on January 10, 2026, was aimed at strategizing how U.S. businesses could gain greater access to Venezuela’s oil fields following the U.S. government’s efforts to oust Nicolás Maduro and impose stricter controls on the country’s oil exports. The assembly included senior officials from the Trump administration and influential figures from the energy sector, all keen on exploring significant investment opportunities aimed at revitalizing Venezuela’s aging energy infrastructure.
Loomer’s online tirade against Carlson came shortly after the details of the meeting surfaced. She accused him of hypocrisy for attending a strategy session while having recently been vocal in his criticisms of the administration’s approaches to Venezuela. Loomer has also long criticized Carlson on various fronts, including his foreign policy stance and past engagements with Qatar, alleging that he does not align with certain pro-Israel interests.
Carlson’s presence at the meeting has fueled ongoing divisions within the pro-Trump base, with many grassroots supporters questioning his loyalty and reliability as an ally. They point to his repeated critiques of U.S. military and intelligence strategies, contrasting these positions with his close ties to key figures within the Republican party.
This internal clash underscores the broader ideological rifts within the pro-Trump movement, particularly surrounding issues of foreign policy and U.S. support for Israel. As the Trump administration navigates these complex dynamics, it faces the challenge of reconciling differing factions within its base, especially in light of its MAGA First agenda.
While tensions are evident, this development also reveals the intense engagement of conservative activists in shaping the party’s direction, suggesting that ongoing debates over foreign policy will continue to resonate at the heart of American political discourse.