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Venezuelan writer questions Trump's declassified files on Venezuela

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Venezuelan writer Naky Soto questioned the relevance of declassified U.S. intelligence files concerning Venezuela.
  • Soto argued that the documents released by Donald Trump lack consistency and do not prove alleged electoral manipulation by the Chavista government.
  • Analyst Eugenio Martínez noted that the CIA documents are partially censored and do not detail the methods used to verify claims of electronic voting system manipulation.

Venezuelan writer Naky Soto has raised doubts about the significance of intelligence files recently declassified by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which pertain to alleged electoral manipulation in Venezuela. Trump announced the release of a CIA memo dated June 29, 2026, claiming it would expose a plan to fraudulently favor Nicolás Maduro's government.

However, Soto contends that the released material fails to substantiate Trump's accusations. "Why isn't what Trump said a scandal? Because it's inconsistent," she stated. Soto, who has worked with the NGO Liderzgo y Visión, pointed out the contradiction in Trump's actions, noting his prior support for the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez. She finds it illogical that he would now present information against the Chavista regime while simultaneously maintaining in power those she considers "heirs" to Maduro.

Why isn't what Trump said a scandal? Because it's inconsistent.

— Naky SotoThe Venezuelan writer questioned the validity and coherence of the declassified intelligence files.

Soto further criticized the approach of releasing documents without linking their claims to a broader investigation or identifying those responsible. She recalled years of documented efforts by the Chavista movement to dismantle the separation of powers and subordinate institutions to the executive branch. Additionally, she referenced evidence presented by the opposition, led by María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, during recent presidential elections, which they claim demonstrated fraud by Maduro to secure victory.

Political analyst and journalist Eugenio Martínez echoed some of these concerns, suggesting that the declassified CIA documents are incomplete. He noted that the six-page report from June 2026 contains censored information and does not elaborate on the specific techniques the intelligence agency employed to verify claims of manipulation within Venezuela's electronic voting systems. Martínez believes the documents, as presented, do not offer a comprehensive view of the CIA's findings or methodologies.

The triumvirate and all those who pretend to govern with them are the heirs of the 'corrupt regime of Maduro,' in case the CIA reports don't say so.

— Naky SotoSoto criticized the political figures involved, linking them to the Maduro government.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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