Trump threatens Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua in Presidents Day speech in Miami
MIAMI – President Donald Trump appeared on Monday before the Venezuelan American community at an event organized by Florida International University (FIU) in celebration of Presidents Day. His speech, loaded with threats, constituted practically a call to military action in Venezuela, and a serious intromission on the sovereignty of that country, as well as Cuba and Nicaragua.
Starting with, “A new day is coming in Latin America,” he praised the people of Venezuela for their fight for “freedom and democracy.” Adding, “And the United States of America is standing right by their side.”
He reported that two days prior the first C-17 airplane of the U.S. Air Force had landed in Colombia with the announced humanitarian aid, “including thousands of nutrition kits for young children”, but “the dictator Maduro” had blocked the entry of that “saving aid” to Venezuela, since “he would prefer to see the people die of hunger rather than help them.”
Among his many threats, one was addressed to the Venezuelan military: “They should not follow Maduro’s orders,” he told them, adding that the eyes of the entire world were upon them. And then doubled down by warning that if they remained loyal to the government of President Maduro, “they will not have an easy way out, there will be no way out, they will lose everything.”
He then went on to say that “there are members of the Venezuelan military still barely supporting this failed dictatorship. They are risking their future, they are risking their lives and Venezuela’s future for a man controlled by the Cuban military, protected by a private army of Cuban soldiers.”
Trump added: “We seek a peaceful transition of power, but all options are open.”
Using this forum for electoral purposes, Florida being an important step on the road to reelection, Trump turned his attention to the many Cuban and Venezuelan voters in the audience. He said, “The twilight hour of socialism has arrived in our hemisphere and frankly in many, many places around the world.
“The days of socialism and communism are numbered not only in Venezuela, but in Nicaragua and in Cuba as well.” The audience at FIU cheered, occasionally chanting “USA, USA.”
Interestingly, and typical of Trump who has a hard time seeing hypocrisy even as he speaks it, the president began the day’s speech by stating that “they are making progress in China.” He then said, “millions and millions [will be] coming into our treasury.” He followed the words on China by lecturing about “the horrors of socialism and communism.”
Prior to his speech, the self proclaimed president of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, appeared at the Miami event on video where he said: “I want to take this opportunity and place to thank the people of the United States and President Trump for their determination and clear leadership in support for democracy and just causes in response to what is happening now in Venezuela. The humanitarian tragedy keeps families separated due to migration and does not allow us to feed our children, or for our elders to obtain medicines.”
