Trump Revokes Chevron’s Venezuela License After Pressure from Latino Reps
Cuban-American Republican Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Gimenez, and Maria Elvira Salazar influenced President Trump’s decision to revoke Chevron’s oil license in Venezuela. This action follows their threat to withhold votes on a GOP budget deal. Critics argue this move could further harm an already struggling Venezuelan economy, designed to lessen the influence of an authoritarian regime.
Recent reports from Axios reveal that three Cuban-American Republican Representatives—Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Gimenez, and Maria Elvira Salazar—played a pivotal role in persuading President Donald Trump to revoke Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela. Prior to a crucial GOP budget deal vote, these representatives indicated they might withhold their support unless Trump took decisive action against Chevron, which they believed would jeopardize the initiatives promoted by the party.
In a conversation with confidants, President Trump expressed concern over their potential dissent, stating, “They’re going crazy and I need their votes.” The announcement of the license revocation occurred shortly after the budget deal passed. House Speaker Mike Johnson shared insights with Republican donors, affectionately referring to them as the “three Crazy Cubans,” praising their principled stance and its significance for their community.
Consequently, the Trump administration has mandated Chevron to suspend all operations in Venezuela by April 3. Chevron’s production has contributed significantly to Venezuela’s economy, making up about 20% of the country’s total output in recent years. Critics argue that the company’s presence bolsters an authoritarian regime, charged with gaining power through illegitimate means.
President Trump criticized the Venezuelan regime under Nicolás Maduro, asserting that it had not honored commitments regarding electoral reforms and the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants living in the U.S. He noted, “We are hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave to Nicolás Maduro… which have not been met by the Maduro regime.”
In response, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the decision, describing it as “damaging and inexplicable,” arguing that sanctions against Chevron not only harmed the Venezuelan populace but also jeopardized the legal standing of the U.S. in international investments.
The actions taken by Representatives Diaz-Balart, Gimenez, and Salazar reflect a strategic maneuver within GOP politics, emphasizing their influence over President Trump regarding foreign policy decisions. The revocation of Chevron’s license may have significant implications for Venezuela’s economy and its relationship with the United States, raising concerns over the sustained sanctions and their impact on both nations.
Original Source: www.latintimes.com
