Are You OK With This?

About

Trump's Venezuela Chess Game: Is This Really About Freedom?

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

📝 In a few words:

Trump taps hardliners, works with Maduro ally, sidelines opposition in Venezuela. Is this democracy?

The Full Story

Big News Alert

The White House, under President Donald Trump, has assembled a contentious team to oversee Venezuela's post-Maduro transition. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and presidential advisor Stephen Miller are at the helm, with Vice President JD Vance also involved. While Trump asserts ultimate authority, these choices immediately raise significant questions about America’s true intentions.

Specifically, the move sparks concern about the administration's commitment to genuine democratic principles in the volatile region. This carefully selected group suggests a strategic pivot that demands close scrutiny from vigilant citizens.

What Could Go Wrong

This strategy appears to prioritize pragmatic control over genuine democratic restoration. Partnering with interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, a former Maduro loyalist, instead of backing recognized opposition leader María Corina Machado, sets a deeply troubling precedent. Could this be a cynical maneuver to install a U.S.-friendly, yet potentially authoritarian, regime under the guise of "transition"?

The appointment of Stephen Miller, known for his restrictive policies, points towards a hardline approach that might overshadow stated diplomatic efforts. Such a path risks undermining the Venezuelan people's aspirations for true freedom and self-determination. It could replace one form of control with another, albeit one influenced by American power, rather than fostering true self-governance.

Who Must Answer

President Trump and his administration owe the American people a transparent explanation. Why is a former Maduro ally deemed "cooperative" enough to shape Venezuela's future, while the legitimate democratic opposition is dismissed without any clear justification? What are the long-term implications of empowering figures known for aggressive, top-down approaches in such a sensitive nation-building process?

We must question whether this "collective effort" truly serves the best interests of the Venezuelan people. Is it, instead, simply another chapter in geopolitical power plays, potentially sacrificing fundamental American values for a perceived, engineered stability?

Your Call

The United States consistently claims to champion democracy and freedom across the globe. Yet, in Venezuela, we observe a transition team that seems to bypass the very opposition fighting for those ideals. It appears to opt, instead, for a deal with elements of the old guard.

"Are you okay with this approach, where American power dictates the terms of 'freedom' by handpicking who gets to lead, rather than letting the Venezuelan people choose their own destiny?"

Is this the kind of foreign policy that genuinely reflects our nation's core values, or is it a dangerous compromise that will ultimately sow deeper resentment and instability in the long run? This situation demands critical thought and a clear stance from every engaged American.

Share this story

Choose how you want to share this article

🌐 https://areyouokwiththis.com
📰 Trump's Venezuela Chess Game: Is This Really About Freedom?
📝 In a few words:
Trump taps hardliners, works with Maduro ally, sidelines opposition in Venezuela. Is this democracy?
🔗 Read more: https://areyouokwiththis.com/article/trump-venezuela-chess-game-is-this-really-about-freedom