Elliott Abrams criticizes Trump's Venezuela policy, questions Delcy Rodríguez's intentions

Elliott Abrams, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, has voiced strong criticism of President Donald Trump's strategy toward Venezuela. Abrams questions whether Washington prioritizes oil interests over the country's democratization and expresses deep skepticism about the intentions of Delcy Rodríguez's interim government. He specifically doubts their commitment to creating conditions for fair elections, stating, "The interest of Delcy Rodríguez and her group is to ensure that it is never possible to create the conditions for elections."

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The interest of Delcy Rodríguez and her group is to ensure that it is never possible to create the conditions for elections.

Abrams believes that the return of María Corina Machado to Venezuela would be a "very important step towards not only elections, but political stability." He rejects the notion that her presence would incite greater instability, arguing instead that "the feelings of the Venezuelan people must be channeled into a political path towards elections." He also questions the legitimacy of current negotiations involving opposition representative Dinorah Figuera, asserting that Machado and Edmundo González represent the true democratic leadership.

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The feelings of the Venezuelan people must be channeled into a political path towards elections.

The former official acknowledged the recent release of political prisoners but deemed the measures insufficient, stating, "More is needed." Abrams also highlighted a growing "disenchantment" among Venezuelans with the United States. This sentiment, he explained, stems from expectations following Nicolás Maduro's capture, which many believed would lead to the regime's end and Venezuela's democratization. "Venezuelans thought that what happened on January 3 was the first step towards the end of the regime and the democratization of Venezuela. Now they doubt that is the case," he said.

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More is needed.

Abrams further drew attention to President Trump's notably favorable language when discussing Delcy Rodríguez, using terms like "terrific, excellent." This has led Abrams to ponder the administration's true objectives. "If I were Venezuelan, I would also ask myself, what is happening? What is the objective? More oil or more democracy?" he stated. Regarding oil investment, Abrams noted that major companies like Chevron and Exxon would require guarantees before committing resources, warning, "Investors want to protect their money. If there are no guarantees, there is no investment... Trump does not understand that."

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Venezuelans thought that what happened on January 3 was the first step towards the end of the regime and the democratization of Venezuela. Now they doubt that is the case.