Trump Endorses Opposition, Forgets History of Coups
Trump's endorsement of Machado—a figure previously disqualified from holding public office by Venezuela's Supreme Court ( Caracas Chronicle , 2024)—is presented as a straightforward political maneuver. Yet, this isn't about 'free and fair elections'; it's a rehash of US regime change attempts. From endorsing Juan Guaidó as 'interim president' in 2019 ( The New York Times , 2019) to sustained
sanctions that crippled Venezuela's economy ( Center for Economic and Policy Research , 2019), Washington's playbook for Venezuela is as subtle as a CIA black bag operation in the 1970s. One almost wonders if 'support' here is a euphemism for 'install.' The US-backed opposition has consistently failed to garner popular support in Venezuela. Each time, the US declares the *actual* election
illegitimate. Trump's latest pronouncement merely echoes State Department talking points, framing any challenge to the favored candidate as inherently undemocratic. How many 'free and fair' elections do we need before the 'right' person wins?