Shreveport Reporter

Speaker Johnson recently met with Venezuela's President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, accompanied by Representatives Franklin, Salazar, Diaz-Balart, and Gimenez. Following the meeting, Speaker Johnson issued a statement expressing his views on the political situation in Venezuela.

"It was an honor to meet with the only legitimate leader of Venezuela, Edmundo González," Johnson stated. He emphasized the importance of restoring democracy in Venezuela and highlighted concerns about the current regime under Nicolás Maduro. "We had a productive conversation about the need to restore Venezuela’s democratic voice, and the threat the illegitimate Maduro regime poses to the region and all those seeking freedom."

Johnson criticized Maduro for supporting criminal activities and collaborating with international adversaries. "Maduro props up criminal drug cartels, provides oil and outposts to adversaries in Iran, China, and Russia, and has partnered with terrorist groups like Hezbollah," he said. He also criticized U.S. policy towards Venezuela under President Biden: "Joe Biden’s four-year-long policy of placating the socialist dictatorship in Caracas has only hurt the United States’ security interests and undermined regional democracy."

The Speaker called for a return to a more aggressive stance against Maduro's government: "The United States must return to a maximum-pressure campaign that leaves no recourse but for power to be returned to the Venezuelan people and its legitimate leaders, such as Edmundo González and María Machado."

Looking forward, Johnson expressed his readiness to collaborate with future U.S. leadership: "I am eager to begin working with the incoming Trump Administration to confront all those who terrorize and intimidate the people of Venezuela, and ensure Congress is ready to support democracy in Venezuela and uphold America’s interests in the region."