Three Cuban-American Republican Representatives influenced President Trump’s decision to revoke Chevron’s Venezuela oil license, threatening to withhold votes unless action was taken. Trump claimed Maduro has not met promised reforms. Critics argue the sanctions could harm both nations. Venezuela’s Vice President condemned the decision made by the U.S. government.
In a pivotal move, three Cuban-American Republican Representatives—Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Gimenez, and Maria Elvira Salazar—played a significant role in persuading President Trump to revoke Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela. This development emerged before last week’s GOP budget deal vote, where they hinted at withholding their support unless action was taken against Chevron, which could jeopardize the initiative.
President Trump reportedly expressed his concerns to confidants stating, “They’re going crazy and I need their votes” as he justified his decision, which was officially announced following the passage of the budget deal. House Speaker Mike Johnson further emphasized the representatives’ influence, referring to them as the “three Crazy Cubans” who “stood on principle” to achieve a victory for their community.
The Trump administration granted Chevron until April 3 to cease all operations in Venezuela, where the company has significantly increased production over the years, contributing to approximately 20% of its total output. The critics argue that Chevron’s operational support sustains an authoritarian regime, which they contest ascended to power through fraudulent elections.
President Trump asserted that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro failed to fulfill promised electoral reforms and to facilitate the return of Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. in a timely manner. He declared, “We are hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave to Nicolás Maduro, of Venezuela…,” indicating a strong stance against the Maduro administration’s compliance with prior agreements.
In response, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez called the U.S. decision “damaging and inexplicable,” claiming that sanctions against Chevron harm both the Venezuelan people and the United States itself, while also questioning the legal security of the U.S. investment regime internationally.
The article highlights the influential role of three Cuban-American Republican Representatives in persuading President Trump to revoke Chevron’s operations in Venezuela. This move reflects ongoing tensions regarding U.S. foreign policy towards Venezuela and the concerns regarding support for its current regime. Critics of this approach argue it may have broader economic repercussions both for Venezuela and the United States. Venezuela’s government has reacted negatively, indicating that such sanctions may be detrimental not just for their nation but also for American interests. This situation underscores the intricate relationship between domestic political pressures and international business engagements.
Original Source: www.latintimes.com
