Transforming Venezuela for a Stronger Alliance
President Donald Trump has brought the topic of freedom in the Western Hemisphere back to the forefront. His vision? A democratic Venezuela, led by legitimate leaders, as a key ally to the United States, which could change the landscape of Latin America.
For a long time, Venezuela held the status of the wealthiest nation in Latin America and was a solid partner in global trade, human rights, and world stability. The U.S. stands to benefit from aiding in the restoration of a government that reflects its people’s will, rather than the current regime closely tied to Iran and China. Trump’s initiative against drug trafficking in the Caribbean isn’t limited to tackling the Maduro administration; it also considers the broader implications of groups like Hezbollah and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), balancing the odds in favor of the Venezuelan populace.
Historically, Venezuela thrived due to its abundant oil reserves—the largest proven reserves globally—its strategic Caribbean location, and a well-educated citizenry. However, the socialist policies branded as “21st century socialism” by Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro have severely harmed the nation. Under this framework, the government seized control of industries, enforced tight currency and price controls, and used oil revenues for political favors instead of infrastructure development. Consequently, the economy is in ruins, eight million people have fled the country, and nearly 86% of those who remain live in poverty.
The Maduro regime poses a significant risk to U.S. national security as well. The so-called Sunshine Cartel, a network of corrupt Venezuelan military officials, is responsible for transporting around 24% of the global cocaine supply through its territory. Meanwhile, the Torren de Aragua gang has extended its influence across at least 12 countries in the Americas, bringing violence and instability.
Moreover, Venezuela’s ties with Hezbollah and Russian paramilitary groups, such as the Wagner mercenaries, present a pressing concern, given their proximity to the U.S. This situation elevates Venezuela’s collapse from a regional issue to a direct security threat for Washington.
For years, Venezuelans have expressed their refusal to accept this dire situation, rallying behind opposition figures. Maria Colina Machado, a 2025 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, enjoys support from around 70% of the populace, despite facing severe electoral manipulation and repression. Many Venezuelans living abroad, mostly against the regime, were unable to vote in the last stolen election. Some believe that a true democratic election would see her approval soar to 90%.
Machado stands out as the first opposition leader to openly champion free market principles, aligning herself with other right-leaning leaders in the region and supporting Trump’s policies. She even expressed gratitude to Maduro recently for his efforts to combat his own narcotics regime in the Caribbean. After receiving the Nobel Prize, she dedicated it to both the Venezuelan people and Trump, acknowledging his role in their fight for freedom.
While Trump hasn’t explicitly called for Maduro’s overthrow, military engagements in the Caribbean hint that curbing the influx of drugs and violence into the U.S. may hinge on dismantling Venezuela’s notorious criminal networks, including the Sun Cartel and Colombian guerrillas like the FARC and the National Liberation Army (ELN).
Concerns arise about the potential for Venezuela to emulate Haiti or Iraq. However, such analogies overlook critical differences. Venezuela has historically maintained a stable democratic system since the mid-20th century. Over four decades, it has successfully conducted electoral processes and established solid institutions, despite current challenges. Venezuelans, known for their high education levels and civic engagement, have remained steadfast in choosing democratic means over violence.
The potential for Venezuela to reclaim its freedom aligns perfectly with U.S. strategic interests. The U.S. requires dependable allies, steady energy sources, and open markets, while Venezuela seeks protection for investments and technological support.
Trump seems aware of this dynamic. His grasp on geopolitics is complemented by his understanding of the Hispanic electorate, with 92% of Venezuelan Americans reportedly supporting him in the last election. This voter bloc, alongside Cuban and Nicaraguan constituents, is united in its opposition to socialism.
Trump’s operations in the Caribbean deliver a strong message: narco-terrorists must either step down or face intensified military action against them—an approach reportedly backed by a significant majority of the Venezuelan population.
With Machado in a leadership position and Trump’s backing for Venezuelan liberation, the country stands on the brink of evolving into a major ally for the U.S. in the Western Hemisphere—one rooted in shared values of freedom and prosperity.
