Rand Paul Warns Venezuela Policy Risks Backlash

Senator Rand Paul warned that U.S. rhetoric about controlling Venezuela’s oil risks undermining goodwill among the Venezuelan people. Paul said initial support for removing Nicolás Maduro could quickly turn negative if the United States is seen as replacing one form of control with another. He pointed to similar fallout with Canada and Greenland, arguing that aggressive language has damaged trust with close partners. While Paul said he is glad Maduro is gone and opposed to socialism, he criticized the invasion and urged a more respectful approach. He said the United States should support Venezuela’s recovery, allow voluntary partnerships with American companies, and avoid claims that suggest U.S. ownership or control of the country’s resources.