Three Latino Republican representatives, Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Gimenez, and Maria Elvira Salazar, influenced President Trump’s decision to revoke Chevron’s Venezuela oil license by threatening to withhold their votes on a budget deal. The administration has set a deadline for Chevron to cease operations, leading to tensions surrounding U.S.-Venezuela relations.
Three Republican members of Congress significantly influenced the revocation of Chevron’s operating license in Venezuela by President Donald Trump, as reported by Axios. The trio, consisting of Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Gimenez, and Maria Elvira Salazar, communicated their intention to withhold support for a budget deal unless their demands were met, effectively persuading the President. Following the budget agreement, Trump announced the decision to limit Chevron’s activities, acknowledging the importance of the votes from these representatives.
In a later discussion with Republican donors, House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted the representatives’ commitment, referring to them as the “three Crazy Cubans” who “stood on principle” to achieve a significant outcome for their community. This nickname elicited laughter from Gimenez and Diaz-Balart during the meeting, suggesting camaraderie among the group.
According to Bloomberg, Trump’s administration has instructed Chevron to cease operations in Venezuela by April 3. The company had increased production significantly, contributing to about 20 percent of its overall output, which played a crucial role in supporting the ailing Venezuelan economy. Yet, critics assert that Chevron’s presence has strengthened an authoritarian regime that has undermined democratic processes.
Trump criticized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for failing to fulfill electoral reform promises and for not repatriating Venezuelan migrants in the United States as expected. In Trump’s statement, he declared, “We are hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave to Nicolás Maduro on the oil transaction agreement…” highlighting points related to electoral conditions and criminal repatriations.
Responding to the revocation, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the action, stating that the “United States government has made a damaging and inexplicable decision… inflicting harm on the United States, its population, and its companies.” This statement raises concerns about the implications of U.S. policy on international investments.
The article outlines the pivotal role of three Latino Republican representatives in persuading President Trump to revoke Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela, highlighting their efforts in negotiations for a budget deal. The decision has drawn criticism regarding its potential impact on Venezuela’s economy and the U.S.’s international investment reputation. Trump’s assertion of reversing previous concessions amplifies the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and the Venezuelan government, while the reaction from Venezuelan officials underscores the complexities involved in such international relations.
Original Source: www.latintimes.com
