A New Chapter of “Diplomacy” with Hammers
WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump, in a display of modesty that characterizes him, declared that Saturday’s military operation that led to the forced overthrow of Nicolás Maduro was a resounding success. Of course, he did so while outlining a plan as vague and detailed as a cloud: his administration will “run” Venezuela until… well, until he decides otherwise. A fluid transition of power, without a doubt.
Because who needs visible signs of troops on the ground in Caracas when you have the immovable force of will of a man in a Florida resort? This is the audacity that defines his foreign relations strategy: an unwavering faith that his whim is international law. “This was one of the most impressive, effective and powerful displays of American military power and competence in American history,” Trump proclaimed from his golden throne at Mar-a-Lago. In case anyone doubted the historical scale of the event, here is the reference.
The Art of the Express Overthrow and Empty Promises
He came to office promising to put an end to foreign entanglements, but lo and behold, on Saturday he promised to give “peace” and “justice” to Venezuela. A plot twist that not even the best screenwriter would dare to write. This new Venezuelan obsession comes at a moment of absolute calm in its agenda: while it is trying (or claims to be trying) to resolve the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and give a happy ending to Russia‘s war in Ukraine. Nothing like one more project to avoid getting bored.
But the road, surprise, is dangerous. The White House will have to deal with the small detail of the power vacuum and the stability of a country devastated by hyperinflation and shortages. A mere procedure. Meanwhile, global rivals are taking note. Chinese President Xi Jinping watches with Taiwan in mind. Russian President Vladimir Putin looks towards Ukraine and NATO. Who needs a manual on international law when Trump writes his on the fly?
Trump, however, has no doubts. The “negative actors” will be pushed aside (to a resort, perhaps?) while he makes Venezuela “great again.” And the best thing: he promised taxpayers that they will not pay a cent. “The money coming out of the ground is very substantial,” he declared with the precision of an oil tycoon. “They’re going to reimburse us for everything we spend.” Impeccable economic logic: invade to get paid for the invasion. Why didn’t anyone think of it before?
The International Community: Between Concern and Telegram
The action generated “new anxiety” in world capitals, which are trying to adapt to the “new normal” of Trump 2.0, where global consensus is as old-fashioned as courtesy. The European allies, who already looked askance at the build-up of troops in the Caribbean, are now tearing up their clothes. The president of the European Commission, António Costa, expressed “great concern.” France, through its minister Jean-Noël Barrot, said that the operation “violates the principle of non-use of force.” Technical details, without a doubt.
At home, the criticism was immediate. Senator Ruben Gallego called the action illegal and shameful, going from “the world’s policeman to the world’s thug.” Meanwhile, Russia and China condemned the violation of sovereignty in statements on Telegram and other media, in a predictable but very cinematic chorus of indignation.
But not everything is criticism. In southern Florida, the epicenter of the opposition diaspora, there was celebration. Representative Carlos Gimenez compared Maduro’s extradition to the fall of the Berlin Wall. A historical analogy as subtle as a punch. And the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, wasted no time in sending a “greeting” to Cuba: “If I lived in Havana and were in the government, I would be worried.” Old school diplomacy, with a gangster touch.
Epilogue: The Leader Who Is Not There and the Oil That Is There
The end of this tragicomy is still being written. Trump ruled out a transition plan proposed by Maduro himself, because recognizing the legitimacy of a “narco-terrorist” government does not enter the script. Instead, he promises that the “best oil companies in the world” will invest billions. The biggest beneficiaries, he assures, will be Venezuelans. A moving story where the hero saves a country… and its oil.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan opposition remembers that for them the legitimate president is the exiled Edmundo González. Trump says he’s not ready to commit to any particular leader, but promises to remain “very involved.” At the end of the day, as he himself stated: “We cannot risk letting someone else lead (Venezuela).” Because, clearly, the self-determination of peoples is an overrated concept when there are natural resources involved.
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