Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro honored an overweight militia woman on Tuesday, days after she became the target of ridicule from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The mockery came following the viral spread of a video showcasing her participation in military exercises.
During a broadcast on Venezuelan state television, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced that the militia member, along with other women in the Bolivarian Militia, received recognition for their "hearts" and dedication to the nation. "Today they were decorated by orders of our Commander in Chief, Nicolás Maduro Moros, by the Bolivarian National Armed Forces,” Padrino López declared. Surrounded by armed militia women and members of the Chavista leadership, he continued, “To those who mock us, our appearance, our capabilities, and our cause, which is the homeland, we say: get lost, as our commander used to say."
Visibly impassioned, Padrino López added, "We have dignity that dates back 200 years. Venezuela has plenty of examples and history of our freedoms. So get lost and let our people be happy, self-determined, and free. We will never be slaves again. Congratulations to the Bolivarian militia for their character, resilience, and love for the country."
Trump's Video Sparks Controversy
The event was a direct response to a video posted by Trump on his Truth Social platform, where he mocked the Venezuelan militia by sharing footage of the woman in uniform, holding a rifle. "TOP SECRET: We've caught the Venezuelan militia training. A very serious threat!" Trump wrote with evident sarcasm.
The post prompted immediate reactions from within the Chavista regime, which sought to turn the incident into a point of national pride. In a prior event, Maduro declared that "these women with these rifles will be the terror of the empire," clearly referencing Trump's message.
The Role of the Bolivarian Militia
Founded by Hugo Chávez in 2008 and bolstered by Maduro in recent years, the Bolivarian Militia has faced criticism from opposition groups and human rights organizations. They argue that the militia serves as a tool for social control within communities, extending beyond purely military functions.
Images of the decoration ceremony, as well as the original military training video, have circulated widely on social media, fueling both political controversy and memes about the Chavista regime's military preparedness.
Through this action, Maduro is attempting to politically leverage international ridicule by emphasizing the symbolic role of his female militia amid growing tensions with Washington.
Key Questions About Venezuela's Political Climate
Why did Nicolás Maduro award the militia woman?
Maduro awarded the militia woman to counteract the ridicule she faced from Donald Trump and to honor her dedication to the nation as part of the Bolivarian Militia.
What was Trump's reaction to the Venezuelan militia?
Trump mocked the Venezuelan militia by sharing a video of a militia woman training, using a sarcastic tone to describe them as a "serious threat."
How has the Bolivarian Militia been viewed by critics?
Critics, including opposition groups and human rights organizations, view the Bolivarian Militia as a means of social control, rather than solely a military force.