Trump’s Aggressive Venezuela Policy: Tougher Policies and Military Risks

Trump’s Bold Venezuela Policy: Tougher Stance with Rubio’s Backing
The United States could adopt a tougher stance on Venezuela as former President Donald Trump signals plans to reshape policies under the influence of hawkish advisors like Senator Marco Rubio and private military contractor Erik Prince.
This move may bring sweeping changes to sanctions, opposition support, and even potential military involvement.
Trump’s relationship with Rubio and Prince has raised speculation about a harder approach, with an emphasis on challenging Venezuela’s leadership under Nicolas Maduro. Here’s how this could unfold.
The U.S. may escalate its sanctions against Venezuela, focusing on critical economic sectors, particularly oil, which remains the country’s main revenue source.
Rubio, a long-time advocate for stricter measures, officially proposed steps in April 2024 to cripple Venezuela’s oil exports.
Furthermore, there’s an increased likelihood of U.S. diplomatic recognition and financial aid to opposition groups.
In 2019, Bloomberg reported that Prince suggested using private contractors for covert operations to facilitate regime change.
According to the report, Rubio supported such moves.
Military intervention remains a possibility. Anonymous sources told Reuters in 2019 that Prince favored deploying mercenaries to remove Maduro and install opposition leader Juan Guaido.
Rubio reportedly backed the idea, marking it as a last-resort option.
Despite these pressures, President Nicolas Maduro has remained defiant. Addressing parliament earlier this month, Maduro criticized U.S. efforts, stating, “The people of Venezuela defeated imperialism. And the outgoing US government now does not know how to take revenge… A president can’t be appointed for Venezuela. They were unable to do this and will never be able to.”
Maduro portrays himself as the defender of Venezuela’s sovereignty while strengthening alliances with powerful nations.
In 2023, Venezuela and China upgraded their bilateral strategic partnership.
Additionally, in 2024, Venezuela signed a military and energy cooperation agreement with Russia, fortifying its international ties.
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Trump’s potential policy shift, guided by Rubio and Prince, underscores a pivotal moment for U.S.-Venezuela relations.
While opposition forces may welcome these changes, Maduro’s defiance and international support signal a challenging path ahead.
Whether through sanctions, diplomacy, or intervention, the global implications of this unfolding story are significant.
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