Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro lashed out after a video shared by U.S. President Donald Trump mocked the Bolivarian Militia, featuring an image of an overweight woman during military drills. Utilizing a public event broadcast on state television, Maduro retorted to Trump, asserting that the militia would become “the nightmare of the empire” should Washington escalate its confrontation with Caracas.
“These women with rifles will be your nightmare, empire!” Maduro declared, raising the intensity of his speech and enveloping himself in the rhetoric of Chavez’s legacy that ties national defense to alleged anti-imperialist resistance. Despite his anger, Maduro was careful not to direct his ire personally at Trump, with whom he aims to establish a more diplomatic correspondence.
During his speech, the Chavista leader echoed historical phrases attributed to Simón Bolívar, claiming that the Bolivarian Militia embodies the “liberating army” of the 21st century. “I can say with Bolívar: fortunately, every day I see millions of women with rifles in hand overcoming and facing powerful empires,” he stated, surrounded by regime officials in what appeared to be a command office within a bunker.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López also spoke at the event, portraying the militia as a defender of sovereignty while downplaying criticisms regarding its political-partisan nature.
Maduro's reaction followed Trump's satirical comment on his Truth Social platform, mocking the readiness of the Venezuelan militia by labeling a video that quickly went viral as a “very serious threat.” Established in 2008 by Hugo Chávez and reinforced by Maduro, the Bolivarian Militia claims to have over four million members, though experts and opposition figures question both the numbers and the actual operational capability.
Various human rights organizations have noted that the militia’s role extends beyond military functions, acting as a social control mechanism in neighborhoods and communities. Amidst growing tension between Washington and Caracas, Maduro’s response aims to project strength against Trump, yet the global ridicule of the video highlights the weakness of his communication strategy.
Understanding the Controversy Around the Bolivarian Militia
What sparked Nicolás Maduro's outrage?
Maduro's anger was triggered by a video shared by Donald Trump that mocked the Bolivarian Militia, featuring an image of an overweight woman during military exercises.
How did Maduro respond to Trump's video?
Maduro responded by asserting that the Bolivarian Militia would become a nightmare for the U.S. if Washington intensified its confrontation with Venezuela, emphasizing the militia's role in national defense.
What is the Bolivarian Militia?
The Bolivarian Militia, created in 2008 by Hugo Chávez and reinforced by Maduro, is a group claiming over four million members, although its actual capacity and numbers are questioned by experts and opposition.