Maduro’s fall opens a narrow window
Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the reported capture of Nicolás Maduro marks a major victory for the United States. He credits President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and US forces for carrying out a mission that could reshape Venezuela’s future.
Pompeo argues this moment creates a real chance to cut drug trafficking into the US, reduce forced migration, and weaken the influence of China, Iran, and Russia in the region. He warns, however, that these gains could vanish if Washington mishandles the next steps.
Democracy must come first
Pompeo says the administration is pressing interim leader Delcy Rodriguez to crack down on drug networks, remove hostile foreign operatives, halt oil sales to US rivals, and allow free elections. While these demands matter, he stresses that none will succeed without a clear and public push for democratic restoration.
Pompeo says Rodriguez and her allies have spent years promoting anti American socialist rule. He believes they will stall reforms and cling to power under a new label.
Venezuelans already chose their leaders
Pompeo states that Rodriguez holds no legal authority. He says Venezuelans already chose a constitutional path through democratic opposition leaders. Despite repression, voters backed Juan Guaido in 2019 and later supported Edmundo Gonzalez in 2024 after authorities barred Maria Corina Machado from running.
Gonzalez reportedly secured about seventy percent of the vote. Pompeo calls that result a powerful mandate, even under an unfair system. Maduro’s government blocked both leaders from taking office, but the opposition stayed organized and ready.
Why the US should back Gonzalez
Pompeo urges the current administration to recognize Edmundo Gonzalez as interim president, following the approach used during Trump’s first term with Guaido. He says Venezuela can hold new elections later, but the US must not question the legitimacy of Gonzalez and Machado.
Pompeo adds that oil sanctions, airspace controls, and enforcement actions can pressure Venezuela’s military to respect the will of voters. If military leaders resist, he says the US should support the decision made by the Venezuelan people.
Restoring order, not changing regimes
Pompeo rejects claims of regime change. He says this plan restores Venezuela’s constitutional order, which corruption and fear destroyed under Maduro. From a US interest standpoint, he argues this approach ensures that pro American and free market leaders take power.
Pompeo concludes that the road ahead will not be easy. Still, he says the only way to lock in recent gains is to empower Venezuela’s legitimate democratic opposition and prevent hostile powers from regaining influence.
