President Trump prodded American energy executives to quickly tap Venezuela’s vast oil reserves on Friday, hours after the United States military intercepted another tanker carrying Venezuelan oil.

Chevron Corp., the sole Western supermajor permitted to pump Venezuelan oil, is loading tankers at the fastest pace in seven months as the US government moves to control the Latin American nation’s crude riches.

Two U.S. intelligence officials said Venezuelan officials had discussed placing Soviet-era defense systems and armed military personnel on tankers — disguising them as civilians for defense purposes.

ABC News’ Stephanie Ramos spoke with Bob McNally, former White House energy adviser to George W. Bush, about whether the potential takeover of Venezuela’s oil will benefit Americans and oil companies.

Jay Young, oil industry expert, breaks down the U.S. tanker seizures, plans to buy Venezuelan crude, and what it means for global oil markets and local refiners.

NBC News' Tom Llamas spoke to Secretary of Energy Chris Wright who responded to some backlash from politicians over the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, and spoke on the future of the country's oil and the relationship between the two countries.

Large U.S. oil companies have so far largely refrained from affirming investments in Venezuela as contracts and guarantees need to be in place. Trump has suggested on social media

U.S. President Donald Trump's ambition to have U.S. energy companies swoop in and revive Venezuela's beleaguered oil industry has raised questions about what it means for Canadian oilsands producers and whether it's a task American supermajors can or even want to take on.