President Trump is sharpening his focus on Venezuela, signaling a critical moment for the embattled leader Nicolás Maduro.
Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) spoke to the New York Post on Monday, declaring that Trump is taking "the last responsible steps" to push Maduro out of power, hinting at a potential operation reminiscent of the 1989 Panama intervention.
Salazar emphasized that Trump recently delivered a direct message to Maduro, stating it’s time to step down. She believes this offers the dictator a narrow window to leave peacefully before more forceful actions are considered.
The Florida representative drew parallels to past U.S. interventions, pointing to Panama and Libya as examples of decisive action against hostile leaders. She argued that when national security is threatened, America has a duty to act, no matter the political party in charge.
Salazar's words carry weight, especially with her district's significant Venezuelan immigrant population. She framed the current situation as "Panama No. 2," a clear signal that history might repeat itself if Maduro refuses to budge.
"We've done this before — in Panama, in Libya — under presidents of both parties," Salazar stated. Her confidence in this approach suggests a belief that only a show of strength will dislodge entrenched regimes like Maduro's.
Beyond politics, Salazar painted Maduro as a criminal mastermind, heading the notorious Cartel of the Suns. She highlighted his 2020 indictment for drug trafficking and accused him of flooding the U.S. with narcotics, sometimes via submarines.
"He's the head of the Cartel of the Suns," she said, adding that no saintly figures are piloting those drug-laden vessels. Such bluntness underscores the urgency of removing a leader she sees as a direct threat to American safety.
Recent interdictions, including a Dominican military seizure of 2,000 kilos of drugs following a U.S. strike, bolster her claims. Salazar sees these actions as proof of Maduro's sprawling illicit network, demanding a response beyond mere diplomacy.
With 11 Navy ships and around 15,000 troops now stationed in the region, the U.S. posture is unmistakable. Salazar noted that months of diplomatic efforts, including negotiations by Trump envoy Ric Grenell and later Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have yielded no results.
She dismissed concerns that Rubio might be overreaching in pushing for regime change. Instead, she praised his deep understanding of hemispheric threats, aligning with her view that Venezuela under Maduro jeopardizes national security.
"This is the beginning of the end," Salazar asserted, framing the operation as a liberation of the Western Hemisphere from communism and drug trafficking. Her words reflect a hope that freedom and market principles will soon prevail in the region.
Looking ahead, Salazar pointed to Venezuela's democratic opposition, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, as ready to step in. With a 100-day governance plan and interest in partnering with American oil and mineral firms, she sees a viable future post-Maduro.
When asked if Maduro would still cling to power by Christmas, she offered cautious optimism with, "Let's hope not." Her restraint in predicting a precise timeline shows pragmatism, though she believes the military buildup points to a favorable outcome.
Salazar saluted Trump's resolve, acknowledging the difficulty of such decisions. She views his actions as a necessary stand against hostile forces like Hezbollah and Iran, ensuring no criminal cartel operates unchecked in America's backyard.