The Reaction of a Venezuelan-American Journalist to Pro-Maduro Protests
A Venezuelan-American journalist, who escaped from Venezuela as a child, has expressed strong disapproval of protests advocating for Nicolás Maduro. She described these demonstrations as an affront to the suffering Venezuelans and as a potential risk to U.S. national security.
Germania Rodríguez Poleo, who left Venezuela with her mother at the age of 11, stated, “It’s disheartening both as an American and a Venezuelan. It’s evident that no actual Venezuelans are participating in those protests.” She emphasized that such gatherings trivialize the struggles faced by those still in Venezuela, including political prisoners and those who continue to endure hunger and hardship.
On a recent episode of “Fox & Friends,” Poleo labeled the protests as “absolutely disgraceful,” asserting that the image of Americans rallying in support of what she calls a “criminal dictatorship” poses a threat to national security.
She recalled her mother’s own career as a journalist who stood against former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez, who faced accusations of terrorism before they fled the country. Poleo mentioned that, after U.S. forces arrested Maduro last week, the nation remains firmly under oppressive governance.
She commented, “We’re still enduring the same tyranny. Yes, there’s hope, but my friends and family in Venezuela still live in fear of the regime. Celebrations? Not really, as they risk their lives.” She also pointed out that the Venezuelan government has made threats against supporters in the United States.
“Yet, despite everything, there’s a glimmer of hope. For the first time in 26 years, they feel a sliver of optimism, albeit laced with fear about what lies ahead.”
Following Maduro’s arrest, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez will assume the presidency—a change that has raised concerns among Venezuelans, particularly for Poleo, who remarked, “She’s even more extreme than Maduro. She’s savvy, intelligent, and knows how to operate in that realm. Many of us worry that we’re left with someone notorious for her role in torture.”
In expressing her gratitude to President Trump for his actions, Poleo urged him to “finish the job,” expressing apprehensions about the direction under Rodríguez’s leadership.
