Maria Colina Machado received this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless efforts to restore freedom in Venezuela and displace Nicolas Maduro’s regime. Observers believe that Maduro is holding onto power despite his party, the Venezuelan Democratic Movement, winning decisively in last year’s elections. In a behind-the-scenes commentary, Machado, often referred to as the country’s “iron lady,” discusses the necessity of removing dictators and expresses appreciation for President Trump’s intervention.
A criminal cartel has seized control of my country, and its reach now extends into the United States.
Some think this is simply “another dictatorship,” but that would be a grave mistake.
This isn’t just a regime; it’s organized crime at the helm, bolstered by enemies of America.
Narco-terrorist groups and the dictators who protect them are vying for more power across the region.
They don’t just pose a threat to their homeland.
They’re undermining democracy, poisoning societies, and directly targeting America.
Nowhere is this situation clearer than in Venezuela.
My nation, once the wealthiest in Latin America, rich in resources like oil, gas, rare minerals, and agriculture, has been devastated.
“Hijacked” nation
We were a proud, stable democracy that welcomed many fleeing hardship.
But that all changed about 27 years ago when the Cartel de los Soles took control.
Its leader, Nicolas Maduro, alongside his circle, faces accusations of crimes against humanity.
They impose their rule through fear and violence, dismantling the democratic foundations of the nation, much like gangsters control their territories.
They’ve essentially sold our sovereignty to various foreign partners—Castro’s Cuba, Iranian operatives, Colombian militias, and Russia—reaping billions from China.
They’ve silenced media, seized properties, persecuted challengers, and designed electoral fraud systems that ensure they remain in power indefinitely.
Moreover, they’ve weaponized immigration, driving one in three Venezuelans to flee.
From the start, they viewed the U.S. as more than just another power; they saw it as their main target.
Unable to engage America militarily, they resort to asymmetric attacks—smuggling drugs into neighborhoods, spreading disinformation to create division, hiring lobbyists to skew U.S. policies, and supporting hostile regimes while unleashing gangs like Torren de Aragua throughout the region.
By ceding ground to terrorist groups and enemies of the U.S., they offer adversaries a safe base just hours from the American coast.
This network has destabilized cities across Latin America and is creeping northward.
President Donald Trump recognizes the gravity of this threat.
Decisive action
He has taken significant steps to cut off the cartel’s financial extensions, ramp up U.S. presence in the Caribbean, and apply intense pressure on Maduro and his circle to guide Venezuela towards the transition our people demand.
These tactics safeguard mutual interests.
Some argue that aggressive measures could spark instability or migration.
Yet, instability already looms, and transitions are underway.
Nearly 9 million Venezuelans have left, a figure surpassing that of refugees from Syria or Ukraine.
This crisis stems directly from the conflict Maduro has ignited against his own citizenry.
The aim is now evident: to end the warfare and allow Venezuelans to return home.
There are concerns that Venezuela could end up “a second Iraq or Libya” if the cartels were to topple.
This analogy fails when we focus on one crucial aspect: the Venezuelan people.
We are a cohesive society, devoid of significant tribal or religious schisms.
We are a peaceful, modern nation with a rich democratic history and strong connections to the United States.
Our identity is grounded in robust institutions, civic involvement, and an outlook that contrasts sharply with the criminal enterprises that have taken over.
In July 2024, against numerous obstacles erected by the cartels, Venezuelans handed Maduro a defeat of 67% to 30% in the elections.
This win was validated by technology, civil organizations, and overwhelming evidence.
The majority of our military and police remain committed to democratic principles.
The Venezuelan populace has already decreed a need for a regime transition.
Legitimate government is waiting
Simply put, Venezuela has a legitimate government elected by its citizens.
The only barrier to freedom lies in narco-terrorist organizations clinging to illegitimate power.
This is why the Trump administration’s actions won’t lead to chaos in Venezuela.
Instead, they drive us towards the future the Venezuelans have chosen, fostering a safer, more stable hemisphere.
Our interests are aligned, creating a win-win scenario for both nations.
A liberated Venezuela would transform our nation from being a crime hub into an energy powerhouse in the Americas, a strategic partner in dismantling narcotic networks, and a promising frontier for U.S. investments in various sectors.
Once freedom rings, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans will begin returning, easing pressure regionally and restoring their families’ dignity.
A free Venezuela bolsters America, secures the hemisphere, and contributes to a safer, more prosperous future for all.
Venezuelans have already achieved the extraordinary.
Now, it’s time to complete this mission together.
