Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican from Florida, appeared on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" to discuss her efforts to bring Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado to Washington D.C. to meet with President Trump.
Salazar emphasized that Machado has earned the right to meet with the President due to her role in proving the international community that the Venezuelan opposition forces had won the election, despite Maduro's attempts to suppress the results. She believes that Machado will have a long and productive conversation with the President, who she says is backing Maduro's second-in-command.
When asked if the US should guarantee Machado's security to return to Venezuela, Salazar said that Machado was planning to go back when they met in Oslo, where she received the Nobel Peace Prize. However, she noted that the Trump administration is creating a new model for foreign policy, which includes stabilizing, recovering, and transitioning Venezuela.
Salazar also addressed concerns about Diosdado Cabello, who remains in power despite being accused of crimes by Secretary of State Rubio. She acknowledged that Cabello's control over the prisons, where at least five Americans are being held, is a concern, but emphasized that the US is taking steps to address it.
Regarding Cuba, Salazar expressed skepticism about the CIA assessment that the regime in Havana is not necessarily in peril despite President Trump's threats to cut off oil and aid. She believes that Cuba is weakened and vulnerable due to its reliance on imports and its lack of resources.
The interview also touched on Mexico's decision to provide aid to Venezuela, which Salazar described as a "very big mistake" made by the Mexican government.
Salazar emphasized that Machado has earned the right to meet with the President due to her role in proving the international community that the Venezuelan opposition forces had won the election, despite Maduro's attempts to suppress the results. She believes that Machado will have a long and productive conversation with the President, who she says is backing Maduro's second-in-command.
When asked if the US should guarantee Machado's security to return to Venezuela, Salazar said that Machado was planning to go back when they met in Oslo, where she received the Nobel Peace Prize. However, she noted that the Trump administration is creating a new model for foreign policy, which includes stabilizing, recovering, and transitioning Venezuela.
Salazar also addressed concerns about Diosdado Cabello, who remains in power despite being accused of crimes by Secretary of State Rubio. She acknowledged that Cabello's control over the prisons, where at least five Americans are being held, is a concern, but emphasized that the US is taking steps to address it.
Regarding Cuba, Salazar expressed skepticism about the CIA assessment that the regime in Havana is not necessarily in peril despite President Trump's threats to cut off oil and aid. She believes that Cuba is weakened and vulnerable due to its reliance on imports and its lack of resources.
The interview also touched on Mexico's decision to provide aid to Venezuela, which Salazar described as a "very big mistake" made by the Mexican government.