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Venezuelan Opposition Figure Teams Up with Cuban-American Lawmaker to Support Trump’s Policy Shift
FIRST ON FOX: The sole Cuban-born member of Congress has recently hosted a gathering of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó and several Latino community leaders from the U.S. This event showcased strong backing for President Trump’s recent decision to reverse a contentious Biden-era oil agreement with the Venezuelan government led by dictator Nicolás Maduro.
Representative Carlos Gimenez, a Republican from Florida, emphasized that the situation holds personal significance for him. He made these remarks during a meeting at a private lounge inside Miami International Airport on Thursday.
At the gathering, Gimenez did not shy away from condemning Maduro while criticizing the Biden administration’s previous negotiations with the authoritarian regime.
Trump’s Rescission of the Biden Oil Deal
On Wednesday, Trump officially terminated a controversial deal that allowed Chevron to continue its operations in oil-rich Venezuela. During his announcement, he expressed intentions to roll back what he termed concessions made by “Crooked Joe Biden” to Nicolás Maduro. He pointed to unfulfilled electoral conditions in Venezuela as a critical factor in his decision.
Trump added that Maduro has failed to cooperate with U.S. immigration authorities in efforts to deport dangerous foreign nationals.
Focus on National Security
In his comments to reporters in Miami, Gimenez addressed public safety concerns surrounding the similar backgrounds of some criminals infiltrating the U.S. This context came into sharper focus due to reports regarding members of the Tren de Aragua gang causing unrest in New York City. He differentiated between Venezuelan civilians fleeing oppression and those criminals entering the United States under false pretenses.
Reflecting on his own past, Gimenez recalled how his family escaped a repressive regime in Cuba. He emphasized that anyone oppressed by dictatorial governments will find allies within him.
“So will Florida Republicans Mario Diaz-Balart, Maria Salazar, and Senator Rick Scott, alongside President Donald J. Trump,” he conveyed before introducing several key figures, including Guaidó.
Shared Struggles of Latin American Regimes
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Gimenez highlighted the intertwined fates of Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, which he described as oppressive regimes denying basic freedoms to their citizens. He expressed hope that this joint effort represents the initial step toward liberating these nations.
“The citizens of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua deserve the right to be free,” he asserted.
Strategic National Interest
Gimenez advocated for transforming these so-called enemy states into allies for the U.S. He conveyed that such a shift would serve numerous national interests, especially with regard to security and economic stability in the hemisphere.
He pointed out that Cuba is positioned less than 90 miles away from his district, emphasizing the geographical and geopolitical significance of U.S. involvement in the region.
“I’m confident President Trump will fight for democracy and freedom not just in America but across our hemisphere and beyond,” he stated.
A Collective Call for Freedom
During the event, Guaidó also delivered remarks in Spanish lauding Trump and criticizing Central American dictators. He stressed the urgent need for a robust, prosperous, and secure Latin America founded on democratic principles.
“I have unwavering faith in President Trump and the message he is sending to those financing the coups perpetrated by dictatorial regimes,” he noted, referring explicitly to the disputed and corrupt re-election of Maduro on July 28, 2024.
Guaidó asserted the necessity of confronting dictatorial powers, warning those usurping authority in Cuba and Nicaragua that they will not escape accountability.
Confidence in Future Actions
Further discussing his trust in fellow Miami resident and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Gimenez expressed his belief that both he and Rubio possess the expertise required to confront these regimes, which pose threats within America’s own backyard.
“I don’t need to explain the situation in Cuba to the Secretary of State; we both hold Ph.D.s in that subject,” he joked, highlighting their shared commitment to these issues.
As political tensions in the region reach new heights, the emerging coalition of U.S. leaders advocating for the rights and freedoms of oppressed Latin American citizens is more crucial than ever.
