On Tuesday, within the Republican Party, opinions were split on whether the Trump administration should advocate for regime change in Venezuela.
Despite some optimistic views for a new course in Venezuela, lawmakers who spoke to Fox News Digital indicated a division on U.S. support for regime change in Caracas. A number of representatives voiced concerns about possibly repeating past errors, particularly those seen in the Middle East. Others, however, pointed to the pressing need to tackle security risks close to home.
“Yes, Maduro is indeed an illegitimate leader and presents a significant threat to the Western Hemisphere,” stated Rep. Michael Baumgardner (R-Wash.), referring to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. “It would be in America’s national security interest to ally with a legitimate government.”
Rep. Barry Moore (R-Ala.) shared Baumgardner’s sentiment, arguing that it’s a matter of national security. “If you consider who President Maduro is allied with—he’s connected to Iran, China, and Russia—these relationships pose no benefit to us. Trump likely recognizes the opportunity here,” Moore remarked.
However, there are Republicans who disagree with this stance.
“Looking back at our history, these things don’t often play out well,” said Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah). “Using force and deterrence against a harmful regime might be wise, but actively trying to manufacture change? That seems risky, especially given our ongoing challenges with Iranian influence,” he added.
Blake Moore, who serves as the vice chair of the House Republican Conference, indeed finds some hope for political change in Venezuela, albeit with skepticism regarding the current landscape.
Maduro, who took office in 2013 following Hugo Chávez’s death, has faced substantial criticism, public dissent, and controversial election outcomes, yet he clings to power.
Recently, Maria Colina Machado, an internationally recognized candidate, fled the country in 2025 after winning the Venezuelan presidential election and was awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for her resistance against Maduro.
Some representatives, like Rep. Eric Burleson (R-Missouri), echoed a more reluctant view towards intervention. “I don’t think we should aim for regime change as a primary goal,” he remarked. “We’ve witnessed how such endeavors unfold. It’s crucial we avoid wasting resources and lives in Venezuela.”
Burleson expressed hope that the nation might find its footing without external interference, while underlining the importance of countering domestic issues like drug trafficking.
“We must do everything we can to dismantle the power of drug cartels, seize their drugs, and curb their influence,” he stated. “A natural power transition is likely as it would eliminate many corrupt elements underpinning the politically corrupt system.”
