Franklin Camargo, a commentator from PragerU with Venezuelan roots, responded critically to Democrats during a hearing on the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, labeling him an “evil narco-terrorist” accused of harming Americans.
The House Judiciary Oversight Subcommittee, led by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.Y.), convened witnesses for a session titled “Legal Basis for Action Against Venezuelan Drug Traffickers.”
During the hearing, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) expressed their opposition to the Trump administration’s decision to arrest Maduro and his wife in Caracas last January.
“Yes, we could investigate real drug traffickers and prosecute more drug cases. But Secretary of War Hegseth needs his attention, so we continue down this reckless and counterproductive path,” Raskin remarked, critiquing the military operation that led to Maduro’s capture.
He indicated this situation wasn’t merely a crime but also a “mistake.”
In her opening comments, Crockett accused President Donald Trump of “invading sovereign states and kidnapping” leaders.
“I don’t want you to misunderstand; we don’t think Maduro is a saint, but there is a process,” the Texas Democrat explained. “Donald Trump doesn’t care about the people of Venezuela.”
Crockett also minimized the Maduro regime’s role in human rights abuses, pointing out that while Maduro might be a terrible leader, addressing illegality with further illegal actions doesn’t make sense.
In his opening statement, Camargo recounted how his family’s experience in Venezuela informed his views on the U.S. actions to apprehend Maduro, who was indicted in 2020 for various serious charges including narco-terrorism and weapons offenses.
“I’m grateful to share my story and perspectives on recent U.S. actions against Venezuelan criminals. One of those criminals once called me a terrorist, and now the real terrorist, Nicolás Maduro, is imprisoned,” he remarked.
“I was born in Venezuela and quickly witnessed the collapse of socialism. When I voiced my concerns, I was labeled a terrorist under an anti-hate law. I faced up to 20 years in prison,” he stated. “I managed to escape, but my family wasn’t as fortunate.”
He revealed that one of his cousins was tortured and imprisoned for over two years on political charges by the Maduro regime.
Citing President Ronald Reagan’s description of the Soviet Union as an “evil empire,” he argued it was essential to use a similar term for the current Venezuelan dictatorship.
Camargo seemed to reflect Crockett’s sentiments, stating, “Mr. Maduro isn’t merely a bad person; he is an evil narco-terrorist who has committed crimes against Americans.”
“There are individuals here today who can affirm the legality and resolve behind this operation. I also want to emphasize its necessity,” he added.
As the questioning began, Camargo faced an aggressive inquiry from Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.).
“Mr. Camargo, what evidence leads you to conclude that President Maduro is a drug dealer?” he asked.
Camargo started to respond, “Federal indictment, testimony—”
Johnson interrupted, saying, “An indictment isn’t evidence; it’s merely an allegation.”
“Of course,” Camargo tried to clarify, but was interrupted once more.
“What additional evidence do you have?” Johnson pressed.
Camargo mentioned a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) report on the Cartel de los Soles, which operates under Maduro.
“How does that connect to Nicolás Maduro?”
Starting to elaborate, Camargo said, “This is a totalitarian regime, and he controls everything here—”
Johnson interjected again, saying, “You’re just repeating conclusions you’ve heard, constructing a neat little narrative.”
Camargo then countered, “Do you know who Hugo Carvajal is?” referring to the former Venezuelan general convicted of narco-terrorism.
Johnson declined to engage, responding simply, “I’m moving on,” and shifted his focus to other witnesses.
Later in the hearing, while addressing another witness, Johnson remarked it was “ironic” for Camargo to protest events in Venezuela, considering similar occurrences here.
Again, Johnson didn’t allow Camargo to respond.
Venezuelan PragerU Commentator Responds to Democrats Supporting Nicolás Maduro
Franklin Camargo, a commentator from PragerU with Venezuelan roots, responded critically to Democrats during a hearing on the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, labeling him an “evil narco-terrorist” accused of harming Americans.
The House Judiciary Oversight Subcommittee, led by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.Y.), convened witnesses for a session titled “Legal Basis for Action Against Venezuelan Drug Traffickers.”
During the hearing, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) expressed their opposition to the Trump administration’s decision to arrest Maduro and his wife in Caracas last January.
“Yes, we could investigate real drug traffickers and prosecute more drug cases. But Secretary of War Hegseth needs his attention, so we continue down this reckless and counterproductive path,” Raskin remarked, critiquing the military operation that led to Maduro’s capture.
He indicated this situation wasn’t merely a crime but also a “mistake.”
In her opening comments, Crockett accused President Donald Trump of “invading sovereign states and kidnapping” leaders.
“I don’t want you to misunderstand; we don’t think Maduro is a saint, but there is a process,” the Texas Democrat explained. “Donald Trump doesn’t care about the people of Venezuela.”
Crockett also minimized the Maduro regime’s role in human rights abuses, pointing out that while Maduro might be a terrible leader, addressing illegality with further illegal actions doesn’t make sense.
In his opening statement, Camargo recounted how his family’s experience in Venezuela informed his views on the U.S. actions to apprehend Maduro, who was indicted in 2020 for various serious charges including narco-terrorism and weapons offenses.
“I’m grateful to share my story and perspectives on recent U.S. actions against Venezuelan criminals. One of those criminals once called me a terrorist, and now the real terrorist, Nicolás Maduro, is imprisoned,” he remarked.
“I was born in Venezuela and quickly witnessed the collapse of socialism. When I voiced my concerns, I was labeled a terrorist under an anti-hate law. I faced up to 20 years in prison,” he stated. “I managed to escape, but my family wasn’t as fortunate.”
He revealed that one of his cousins was tortured and imprisoned for over two years on political charges by the Maduro regime.
Citing President Ronald Reagan’s description of the Soviet Union as an “evil empire,” he argued it was essential to use a similar term for the current Venezuelan dictatorship.
Camargo seemed to reflect Crockett’s sentiments, stating, “Mr. Maduro isn’t merely a bad person; he is an evil narco-terrorist who has committed crimes against Americans.”
“There are individuals here today who can affirm the legality and resolve behind this operation. I also want to emphasize its necessity,” he added.
As the questioning began, Camargo faced an aggressive inquiry from Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.).
“Mr. Camargo, what evidence leads you to conclude that President Maduro is a drug dealer?” he asked.
Camargo started to respond, “Federal indictment, testimony—”
Johnson interrupted, saying, “An indictment isn’t evidence; it’s merely an allegation.”
“Of course,” Camargo tried to clarify, but was interrupted once more.
“What additional evidence do you have?” Johnson pressed.
Camargo mentioned a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) report on the Cartel de los Soles, which operates under Maduro.
“How does that connect to Nicolás Maduro?”
Starting to elaborate, Camargo said, “This is a totalitarian regime, and he controls everything here—”
Johnson interjected again, saying, “You’re just repeating conclusions you’ve heard, constructing a neat little narrative.”
Camargo then countered, “Do you know who Hugo Carvajal is?” referring to the former Venezuelan general convicted of narco-terrorism.
Johnson declined to engage, responding simply, “I’m moving on,” and shifted his focus to other witnesses.
Later in the hearing, while addressing another witness, Johnson remarked it was “ironic” for Camargo to protest events in Venezuela, considering similar occurrences here.
Again, Johnson didn’t allow Camargo to respond.
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