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OPINION:
Nicolás Maduro’s grip on Venezuela continues to be a crisis not only for his people but for the entire Western Hemisphere.
His so-called third term, born of stolen elections and a blatant disregard for democratic principles, stands as an egregious affront to both justice and human dignity. Venezuela’s collapse has spurred mass repression, political imprisonment, and an exodus of nearly 8 million refugees, eclipsing crises in Syria and Ukraine. This is a pivotal opportunity for the incoming Trump-Vance administration to champion justice, freedom, and security.
President-elect Donald Trump, a proven leader who prioritized America First while fostering global stability, has signaled a return to strength and pragmatism in foreign policy. His administration understands that problems in countries like Venezuela don’t just remain confined to their borders. They spill over, affecting American citizens through weakened regional stability, increased illegal immigration, and threats from regimes aligned with U.S. adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran.
Unlike the failed appeasement of the Biden-Harris administration, Mr. Trump’s strategy offers a much-needed shift toward a stronger, more principled stance. It’s built on the belief that strength is the only language dictators truly understand. Where Biden’s attempts to negotiate concessions merely emboldened Maduro, Trump’s approach can potentially empower Venezuela’s legitimate democratic opposition, led by the rightful president, Edmundo González, alongside courageous leaders like María Corina Machado.
The Trump-Vance administration can take decisive action by championing comprehensive sanctions that target the regime’s financial lifelines while also rolling back Biden-era oil deals that sustain Maduro’s oppressive rule. By closing loopholes in European sanctions, Trump can help ensure that the regime’s elites no longer profit from corruption or maintain their brutal grip on power. The time is now for a bold, unwavering commitment to democracy and freedom in Venezuela and the rest of Latin America.
Venezuela’s crisis directly impacts the United States and its citizens. The humanitarian disaster has driven millions to flee Venezuela, exacerbating the immigration crisis that strains U.S. resources. Many migrants traverse treacherous routes through Central America and Mexico, fueling cartels profiting from human trafficking and smuggling—a concern for every American taxpayer and community.
Mr. Maduro’s alliances with U.S. adversaries—China, Russia, and Iran—pose significant security threats. These regimes exploit Venezuela’s resources to undermine American influence in the region, emboldening rogue actors worldwide.
While the U.S. once reduced reliance on foreign oil under Mr. Trump, Venezuela’s political chaos, fueled by Maduro—presumed head of the Cartel de los Soles, the largest drug trafficking network in the world—keeps global energy markets volatile. Mr. Maduro’s oppressive policies not only trap Venezuelans in poverty but also turn the nation into a narco-state, stifling fair trade and economic freedom.
Now is the moment for the U.S. to partner with Latin American democracies and take bold steps to crush Maduro’s regime. It’s time to strengthen coalitions that reject tyranny and stand united with the Venezuelan people in their fight for freedom.
We must seize this opportunity to empower leaders like María Corina Machado, who has demonstrated extraordinary courage in her unwavering commitment to democracy despite overwhelming adversity. By extending international legitimacy to opposition leaders in exile, we send a powerful message to the world: America stands with those who resist oppression and fight for a brighter future. Let us act decisively to support those leading the charge for freedom in Venezuela.
It’s time to reverse the misguided deals made during the Biden-Harris administration, such as those with Chevron, and to reimpose stringent financial measures aimed at holding accountable the military and political elites who prop up Maduro’s regime. Equally important is strengthening alliances with democratic Latin American nations like Colombia and Brazil—working together to isolate the Maduro regime and provide protection for the Venezuelans who have been forced to flee their homeland.
The Venezuelan people have shown, through immense courage, their desire for freedom and justice, rejecting Mr. Maduro’s oppression at the ballot box. Now, it’s America’s turn to meet their bravery with bold action and a clear commitment to ending tyranny. Under Mr. Trump’s leadership, we can help rekindle the hope for democracy in Venezuela, bringing stability to the region and safeguarding America’s interests.
This is a defining moment for President-elect Trump and our nation. Restoring order and advocating for freedom in Venezuela is not only a moral imperative but a strategic opportunity to strengthen our security and prosperity. The time for bold, decisive leadership is now.
• Jorge Martinez is president and CEO of Design One Group. He previously served as press secretary for the U.S. Department of Justice.
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