On Sunday, Republican Representative Carlos Giménez confidently stated that Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro would be ousted from power before Christmas. This assertion comes amid increasing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.
During an interview with journalist Rachel Campos-Duffy for Fox News in Spanish, Giménez, who represents South Florida, expressed, “I believe Maduro will be out before Christmas. If something is going to happen, it will happen before Christmas because it is also very costly to maintain the American forces we have in the Caribbean.”
Giménez, of Cuban descent and a vocal critic of both the Cuban and Venezuelan regimes in Congress, referred to the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford—the world’s largest aircraft carrier—accompanied by several warships and F-35 fighter jets near Venezuelan waters.
“We are sending an aircraft carrier, the largest in the world, to that area. So when the President says Maduro's days are numbered, I believe him,” Giménez added.
These remarks came just a day after President Donald Trump's interview on ‘60 Minutes,’ in which he warned that “Maduro’s days are numbered” and justified the military buildup in the Caribbean as a response to the “bad conduct” of the chavista regime, accusing it of releasing criminals to send them to the United States.
Giménez echoed the President's message, emphasizing that the military operation cannot be sustained indefinitely and that a resolution in Venezuela is “a matter of weeks.”
“It costs a lot of money to maintain American forces in the Caribbean,” he reiterated. “I believe we will see a change before Christmas.”
The congressman also highlighted the interest and hope of the Venezuelan community in Miami, who are closely monitoring Pentagon movements and White House statements.
“Everyone here is waiting for what happens in Venezuela, praying for democracy to return and for a free Venezuela,” he expressed.
Washington has strengthened its military presence in the region in recent weeks with naval operations off the coast of Venezuela and statements from high-ranking officials—such as Senator Rick Scott and Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar—indicating a unified message: the Maduro regime is in its final days.
“We will see what happens in Venezuela,” Giménez concluded. “But yes, I believe freedom will come before Christmas.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Venezuela's Political Situation
Why does Carlos Giménez believe Maduro will be ousted before Christmas?
Carlos Giménez believes Maduro will be ousted before Christmas due to the costly U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and the belief that current efforts will lead to a resolution within weeks.
What military resources has the U.S. deployed near Venezuela?
The U.S. has deployed the USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, along with several warships and F-35 fighter jets near Venezuelan waters.
How has the Venezuelan community in Miami reacted to these developments?
The Venezuelan community in Miami is closely following the developments, hoping for the return of democracy and a free Venezuela.