Three Cuban-American Republican Representatives coerced President Trump to revoke Chevron’s Venezuela oil license during G.O.P. budget negotiations, threatening to withhold votes. Trump announced the decision post-budget approval, citing Maduro’s failures. Chevron has until April 3 to cease operations, which some argue support an authoritarian regime. Venezuelan officials criticized the U.S. for the harmful decision.
Recent reports indicate that three Republican Congress members, all of Cuban descent—Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Gimenez, and Maria Elvira Salazar—played a crucial role in persuading President Donald Trump to revoke Chevron’s operating license in Venezuela. This move coincided with a GOP budget deal, and the trio hinted they would withhold their votes unless Trump complied. Their influence was acknowledged during a GOP donor meeting where House Speaker Mike Johnson referred to them as “the three Crazy Cubans” who stood firm for their community’s interests.
The Trump administration has directed Chevron to cease all operations by April 3, following a notable ramp-up in the company’s production in Venezuela, contributing significantly to its overall output. Critics argue that Chevron’s activities enable an authoritarian regime, reinforcing its grasp on power through purportedly fraudulent means. Trump’s administration highlighted that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had failed to introduce electoral reforms and repatriate U.S. migrants as agreed.
In a formal announcement, Trump stated, “We are hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave to Nicolás Maduro… and also having to do with Electoral conditions within Venezuela, which have not been met by the Maduro regime.” He criticized Maduro for not following through on repatriating violent criminals to the U.S. as previously arranged.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez responded negatively to the U.S. decision, labeling it a “damaging and inexplicable decision” which harms both Venezuelans and Americans. She also emphasized how this action casts doubt on the legal security of international investment in the U.S.
The revocation of Chevron’s license in Venezuela highlights the influence of Cuban-American Republican representatives in shaping U.S. foreign policy. By leveraging political tactics, these Congress members have significantly affected the operations of a major American company abroad. The decision reflects broader tensions between U.S. interests and the Venezuelan government amidst concerns over legal security and humanitarian implications. Trump’s administration’s stance emphasizes a tougher approach to Maduro’s regime in light of unmet agreements.
Original Source: www.latintimes.com
