Nicolás Maduro’s Arrest: A Step Forward for the U.S.
The recent arrest of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan leader, marks a significant milestone for the United States. President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the dedicated individuals involved in last Saturday’s operation deserve recognition. This development could pave the way for a future where Venezuelan drugs are eliminated from American streets, where immigrants can return to a prosperous Venezuela, and where Maduro’s authoritarian allies in Beijing, Tehran, and Moscow lose their foothold in the region.
However, achieving this success hinges on addressing certain critical matters promptly.
Reports indicate that the administration is urging interim President Delcy Rodriguez to intensify efforts against drug trafficking, exclude foreign agents opposed to the United States, halt oil sales to adversaries, and ultimately facilitate free elections.
These priorities are indeed correct. Yet, we must remain realistic. Without a firm public commitment to restore democracy in Venezuela, the first three objectives will likely remain unfulfilled.
Nobel Prize Winner Promises to Return Amid Domestic Repression
During my time as Secretary of State in Trump’s first administration, I interacted directly with Rodriguez and her associates, and I can confirm their unwavering commitment to a hard-line socialist agenda that is decidedly anti-American.
It’s unlikely that Rodriguez and her allies will do anything beyond attempting to prolong their power while masquerading as members of a restructured Maduro government. They are ideologically and financially entrenched in the flawed governance models that have previously devastated prosperous nations, and they will strive to uphold the current status quo.
This outcome would undermine the very purpose of America’s intervention and could complicate President Trump’s aim of reasserting American influence in the Western Hemisphere.
Clarifying Rodriguez’s Lack of Legitimacy
It’s crucial to note that Rodriguez lacks any legal authority in her current position; she became “Vice President” through two disputed elections characterized by corruption and fear. Venezuela has viable constitutional alternatives when it comes to governance. Despite significant hurdles, Venezuelans have consistently chosen democratic opposition candidates, such as Juan Guaido in 2019 and Edmundo Gonzalez in 2024, who garnered significant support.
Gonzalez received around 70% of the votes. If Machado had been permitted to run, the margin might have been even larger. This speaks volumes in an authoritarian system that goes to great lengths to suppress dissent.
In both instances, the legitimate president was prevented from assuming power by the Maduro regime. Yet, the opposition has remained resilient. We have aimed to empower them for the moment when genuine freedom emerges. Their aspirations for Venezuela are compatible with ours: a move against drug trafficking, strengthening private property rights, and fostering a productive market economy, while safeguarding against influences from Cuba, Iran, China, and Russia.
Just as I made the decision to recognize Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate president, I suggest that the current administration also acknowledge Gonzalez as interim president, marking an initial step toward democratic transition.
The Need for New Elections
Given the extraordinary conditions surrounding the 2024 election, it would be wise to plan for a special election in the future. However, there’s no denying the legitimacy of both Gonzalez and Machado; they should be prominent figures in Venezuela’s transition, and the U.S. must make this clear.
The same mechanisms, like enforcing oil sanctions and airspace control, can be leveraged to influence the Venezuelan military, which is crucial to the current regime’s operations. If Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino resist enabling President Gonzalez to take command of the military, the U.S. can support the choice of the Venezuelan people.
This is not merely about changing the government. The aim is to reinstate Venezuela’s legitimate constitutional framework, which has been violated by Maduro’s regime. From a self-interested perspective, this is the best way to ensure that pro-American, free-market advocates gain control and prevent opponents from reestablishing a stronghold in the hemisphere.
None of this is a straightforward endeavor. Yet, for the administration to capitalize on the progress made in the past week, establishing a clear plan that empowers Venezuela’s legitimate democratic opposition is essential.
