Trump Revokes Chevron’s License in Venezuela Following Pressure from Reps

Three Cuban-American Republican Reps. urged Trump to revoke Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela, linking their votes to this decisive action. This move follows concerns about Maduro’s governance and promises. Critics argue it jeopardizes the economy while Venezuelan officials condemn the U.S. sanctions.

Republican Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Gimenez, and Maria Elvira Salazar were instrumental in persuading President Donald Trump to revoke Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela. According to a report from Axios, these Cuban-American lawmakers indicated they might withhold their votes unless action was taken before the GOP’s budget deal vote.

Trump acknowledged the pressure from these legislators, stating, “They’re going crazy and I need their votes,” leading to the eventual announcement after the budget was passed. House Speaker Mike Johnson later referred to them as the “three Crazy Cubans,” noting that they stood by their principles and achieved a significant victory for their community.

Chevron has been given until April 3 to halt operations in Venezuela, where it has increased production significantly, now accounting for nearly 20% of the nation’s output. Critics argue that the company’s presence supports an authoritarian regime that attained power through fraudulent means.

Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Nicólas Maduro’s failure to meet electoral reform commitments and to expedite the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. He stated, “We are hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave to Nicolás Maduro…” arguing that the regime has failed on multiple promises regarding electoral conditions and the return of violent criminals.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez responded to this decision, asserting that the U.S. sanctions against Chevron would ultimately harm both Venezuelans and American interests, jeopardizing the U.S. legal security regarding international investments.

The influence of three Cuban-American Representatives played a crucial role in the Trump administration’s decision to revoke Chevron’s license in Venezuela, amidst concerns over the Maduro regime’s actions. The consequences of this revocation may affect both Venezuela’s economy and U.S. business interests, igniting debate over the implications of such sanctions.

Original Source: www.latintimes.com