Senator Marco Rubio criticized the Biden administration's handling of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, arguing that it has fed his regime's strongman image and emboldened him in his more authoritarian aims. Rubio believes the root problem lies with the individuals advising President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, many of whom are convinced they can negotiate positive outcomes with Maduro.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., has come down hard on the Biden administration's approach to Venezuela, claiming it has inadvertently bolstered the position of strongman Nicolas Maduro. Rubio believes the Biden team's misguided handling of the situation has empowered Maduro, leading him to adopt even more authoritarian tactics.
According to Rubio, the Biden administration's policy has "strengthened them internally" and given Maduro "the boldness to say: I can get away with this now." He believes Maduro is emboldened to continue suppressing dissent and consolidating his power, confident that the administration will not take meaningful action against him.
Rubio Slams Biden's Venezuela Policy, Argues It Strengthened Maduro
Rubio attributes this misguided approach to the individuals advising President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. He contends that many of these advisors are overly optimistic, believing they can negotiate a positive outcome with authoritarian leaders like Maduro. However, Rubio insists that certain individuals are simply incapable of negotiating in good faith due to their inherent nature and interests.
He emphasizes that diplomatic solutions are unlikely in the short term, especially when dealing with authoritarians focused on maintaining their grip on power. Rubio's remarks come amidst ongoing anti-government protests in Venezuela following the controversial presidential election in late July.
Rubio Slams Biden's Venezuela Policy, Argues It Strengthened Maduro
Despite pre-election polls indicating that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez had a significant lead, the Maduro-controlled National Electoral Council declared the incumbent president the victor with a 51% margin. This result has been widely disputed, prompting protests and violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Maduro has since requested an election audit by the country's Supreme Court but faces accusations of exerting excessive control over the judiciary. The Biden administration has declared Gonzalez the legitimate winner, citing compelling evidence and widespread opposition support.
Rubio Slams Biden's Venezuela Policy, Argues It Strengthened Maduro
The U.S. has previously played a role in mediating talks between Maduro and the Venezuelan opposition, leading to the Barbados Agreement in October 2020. However, the agreement's terms, including the provision of sanctions relief in exchange for electoral concessions, have not been fully implemented.
The Biden administration has subsequently allowed sanctions relief to lapse, recognizing Maduro's failure to uphold his commitments. However, a National Security Council spokesperson has denied that the Barbados Agreement was a "quid pro quo," stating that it was intended to encourage Maduro's compliance with the electoral roadmap.
Rubio Slams Biden's Venezuela Policy, Argues It Strengthened Maduro
Foreign policy expert Jorge Jraissati has expressed disappointment with the Biden administration's "erratic" approach to Venezuela, arguing that it has failed to capitalize on America's potential influence. He believes the administration's reliance on empty promises has allowed Maduro to strengthen his position both domestically and internationally.
Jraissati emphasizes the need for strategic leadership to bring about meaningful change in Venezuela. He urges the engagement of America's brightest minds, including business leaders, technologists, and foreign policy experts, to develop a comprehensive approach that leverages the nation's economic and intellectual resources.
Rubio Slams Biden's Venezuela Policy, Argues It Strengthened Maduro
The State Department has declined to comment on Rubio's criticism or Jraissati's assessment of the administration's Venezuela policy.
