Trump's Strategy to End the Chavista Regime in Venezuela

The incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is crafting a strategic plan aimed at ending over two decades of Chavista rule in Venezuela. Among the initial actions being considered is the revocation of the license that allows the American oil company Chevron to operate in the South American nation. This move could significantly destabilize the already fragile economy of Nicolás Maduro's regime, according to EFE.

Insiders close to Trump's transition team have hinted that the strategy involves negotiating Maduro's exile, potentially to Moscow, akin to the situation faced by Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. “Maduro will be out sooner than we think,” a source from Trump’s foreign policy team told Axios, as referenced by the source.

Trump Administration's Focus on Venezuela

Venezuela has become a significant concern for Trump's foreign policy team, led by Senator Marco Rubio. Rubio has emphasized that the presence of Venezuelan criminals in the United States poses a threat to national security. “Narcotrafficking organizations have taken over the Venezuelan state,” Rubio stated during his recent Senate confirmation hearing, describing Maduro's regime as a drug-trafficking organization that has seized control of Venezuela.

In his Senate confirmation hearing, Rubio expressed his intent to review the licenses granted to companies like Chevron, which have been funneling millions of dollars to Maduro’s government without it meeting democratic commitments. Rubio, along with key figures such as Christopher Landau, Michael Waltz, and Mauricio Claver-Carone, has held meetings with Edmundo González Urrutia, recognized by Washington as Venezuela's president-elect, and opposition figure María Corina Machado, to coordinate efforts and assess potential additional sanctions.

International Pressure Mounts on Maduro

As Trump fine-tunes his strategy, Maduro faces mounting international pressure. The European Union has ramped up its sanctions against high-ranking Chavista officials, while the United States has increased the rewards for information leading to the capture of Maduro and Diosdado Cabello, whom Washington views as leaders of the so-called "Cartel of the Suns," a drug-trafficking organization linked to the regime.

Trump has also announced his plan to designate drug cartels as "foreign terrorist organizations," which could potentially include the Venezuelan regime and pave the way for more decisive actions against it. This recalls the U.S. invasion of Panama, aimed at ousting de facto leader General Manuel Noriega, wanted for organized crime and drug trafficking.

According to sources from the incoming administration, cited by CNN, labeling narcotrafficking groups as "foreign terrorist organizations" would enable the Department of Homeland Security to mobilize resources to cut off Chavista financing routes.

A Plan for Venezuela's Reconstruction

Sources close to González Urrutia have disclosed that, as part of these efforts, a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Venezuela is being developed. The plan aims to attract foreign investment to revitalize the country's economy, which has been plagued by years of economic and social crisis. The proposal would include tax incentives for U.S. companies willing to operate in the country under a transitional government.

This plan would have the backing of regional allies such as Colombia and Brazil, who have expressed concern over the impact of the Venezuelan crisis on continental stability. Furthermore, the Organization of American States (OAS) is expected to play a crucial role in supervising a potential transition process.

Chavista Reaction to Trump's Plans

Meanwhile, Maduro's government has labeled Trump's plans as "a new imperialist interference" and reiterated its readiness to resist any international pressure. In a recent speech, Maduro stated he is "prepared for any scenario" and highlighted support from allies such as Cuba, Nicaragua, and Iran.

In the coming weeks, it is anticipated that new sanctions and diplomatic measures will be implemented to increase Maduro's isolation and pave the way for a political transition in Venezuela. The international community, led by the United States, closely monitors these developments with the hope of ending the Chavista regime peacefully and definitively.