Florida Republican Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart expressed confidence that the authoritarian regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua "won't withstand" another four years of President Donald Trump, who resumed office in January 2025 with a more assertive foreign policy toward Latin America. In a recent interview with well-known Cuban-American journalist Ninoska Pérez, Díaz-Balart stated that these governments "are praying" for Trump's defeat in the upcoming elections, believing that the pressure from Washington under the current leadership has cornered the region's dictatorships.
"I firmly believe that the Venezuelan regime, along with those in Havana and Managua, can't endure another four years under President Trump, due to his solidarity with oppressed peoples and his steadfastness against tyrants," the Cuban-born legislator remarked.
Díaz-Balart emphasized that Trump's stance sharply differs from that of previous administrations like those of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, whom he accused of seeking "normalization" with authoritarian governments, thereby weakening international pressure on them. "These dictatorships are doing everything possible to hold on until the U.S. elections. They hope for a change that would allow them to regain legitimacy and benefits from a more lenient administration," he stressed.
The congressman also supported the Trump administration's formal designation of Nicolás Maduro's regime as a "State Sponsor of Terrorism," considering that Venezuela has served as a platform for international extremist groups. "The facts are clear. The Venezuelan regime doesn't combat terrorism; it facilitates it," he asserted.
Mario Díaz-Balart, a staunch advocate for a tough policy against Latin American dictatorships, recently expressed gratitude to President Trump for his commitment to fighting communism during an event in Miami with Cuban and Venezuelan exile leaders. "The situation in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba is not only disastrous for their people but also poses a direct threat to U.S. national security," he concluded.
FAQs on U.S. Policy Toward Latin American Dictatorships
What is Mario Díaz-Balart's stance on Trump's policy toward Latin America?
Mario Díaz-Balart supports Trump's assertive foreign policy in Latin America, believing it pressures authoritarian regimes in the region.
How does Díaz-Balart view previous U.S. administrations' approaches to Latin America?
He criticizes past administrations, such as those of Obama and Biden, for attempting to normalize relations with authoritarian governments, thus reducing international pressure.
Why does Díaz-Balart believe that Venezuela is a state sponsor of terrorism?
He argues that Venezuela acts as a platform for international extremist groups, facilitating rather than combating terrorism.