Official announcements by the U.S. government or Venezuelan government, credible news sources like BBC or Reuters

Trump Administration Seeks Regime Change in Venezuela, Cites Assad Comparison and 8 Million Migrants

Jan 18, 2025, 06:34 PM

The incoming Trump administration has expressed its intention to pursue regime change in Venezuela, targeting President Nicolás Maduro. According to multiple sources, Trump's team accuses Maduro of election fraud, jailing political rivals, and threatening to invade Puerto Rico. Advisors have indicated that they aim for Maduro to face a similar fate to that of recently ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, suggesting exile to Moscow as a possible outcome. While there is no confirmation of military intervention, the administration's goal is to remove Maduro from power. Venezuela, under Maduro's leadership, has faced significant economic and political challenges, including mass migration of nearly 8 million people and allegations of ties to criminal organizations and foreign adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran. Senator Marco Rubio, a vocal critic of Maduro and Trump's nominee for Secretary of State, has also highlighted Venezuela's deteriorating conditions, including declining oil production, its alignment with adversarial nations, and a past assassination plot against him. The administration's focus on Venezuela has intensified following President Biden's recent decision to ease restrictions on Cuba.