The governor of Puerto Rico has reached out to President-elect Trump for assistance following threats made by Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro to invade the U.S. island territory. Maduro's provocative remarks came after his controversial swearing-in ceremony for a third presidential term, which has been widely condemned as illegitimate.
During an event in Caracas, Maduro suggested an invasion of Puerto Rico, citing a supposed agenda of liberation in response to perceived U.S. colonization efforts. Governor Jenniffer González-Colón expressed concerns over the threat, emphasizing the importance of U.S. national security and regional stability.
González-Colón highlighted Puerto Rico's historical ties to the United States, dating back to 1898, and the significant contributions of Puerto Ricans to American society, including military service in various conflicts. She reiterated Puerto Rico's desire for statehood, as evidenced by recent plebiscite results showing majority support for U.S. statehood.
The governor underscored Puerto Rico's strategic importance to the U.S., hosting key military installations and supporting border security efforts. She warned of Maduro's attempts to undermine U.S. presence in the region and pledged to collaborate with the incoming administration to address threats posed by the Venezuelan regime.
Rep. Mario Rafael Díaz-Balart commended González-Colón's leadership in condemning Maduro's threats and expressed optimism for a new foreign policy approach prioritizing freedom and national security interests. He predicted Maduro's eventual downfall and urged him to step down to avoid a fate similar to past dictators.
While President-elect Biden has defended his administration's cautious approach to Venezuelan sanctions, concerns remain about potential Iranian influence in the region. Despite targeted sanctions, the U.S. has maintained certain oil-related permissions, including allowing Chevron to export Venezuelan oil, which has bolstered production and state revenues.
