
<p>Understandably, most of the media and public attention is on the conflict in Iran, the war on Hamas and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But it is worth checking out Venezuela to see how things have been progressing in the wake of the arrest and removal of dictator Nicolás Maduro. Actually, things are going very well.</p>



<p>The argument that President Trump’s Venezuela strategy is working well for the United States rests on the fact that the removal of Maduro has triggered a cascade of political, economic, and security changes that have reshaped Venezuela’s posture toward Washington. The removal of Maduro was not only symbolic, but it was also transformative. It ended an era of entrenched antiâAmerican governance and opened the door to a leadership structure more willing to cooperate with U.S. interests.</p>



<p>Although many figures from the previous administration remain in place, including the vice president, the continuity of personnel does not mean continuity of policy. The shift in direction—from hostility toward the United States to pragmatic engagement—amounts to a regime change in practice, even without a total personnel turnover. The new leadership has recalibrated Venezuela’s foreign policy, economic priorities, and internal security posture in ways that align more closely with American strategic goals.</p>



<p>It is anticipated that in the near future, Venezuela will hold free and fair elections – at which time the people of Venezuela will elect their leaders. That is likely to be the final page of regime change.</p>



<p><strong>A Reoriented Oil Policy That Benefits U.S. Energy Interests</strong></p>



<p>One of the most significant changes cited by supporters of Trump’s actions is the nation’s overhaul of its oil policy. Under Maduro, Venezuela’s stateârun oil sector was deeply entangled with Russia, China, and Iran, often used as a geopolitical tool to counter U.S. influence. The new leadership has reversed course:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Expanded access for U.S. energy companies, including renewed operational rights and longâterm investment guarantees.</li>



<li>Commitments to stabilize production, which helps global supply and reduces volatility in energy markets.</li>



<li>Reduced reliance on Russian and Chinese financing, weakening those countries’ leverage in the Western Hemisphere.</li>
</ul>



<p>For the United States, these changes mean greater energy security, more predictable supply chains, and a diminished role for rival powers in a region historically central to U.S. strategic interests. The benefits will be more clearly seen after the Iran conflict concludes and world oil is restored to normalcy.</p>



<p><strong>Release of Political Prisoners and a Shift Toward Democratic Norms</strong></p>



<p>Another major win from Trump’s Venezuelan policies is the release of political prisoners who had been detained under Maduro’s rule. This move is interpreted as a signal of internal liberalization; a gesture toward international legitimacy; and a step toward rebuilding civil society institutions that had been suppressed for years.</p>



<p>For the United States, these releases are framed as a diplomatic victory—evidence that pressure, combined with decisive action, can produce tangible humanârights improvements.</p>



<p><strong>Crackdowns on Drug Trafficking Networks</strong></p>



<p>Venezuela’s previous government was not only ignoring narcotrafficking operations, it was supporting them. The new leadership has taken steps that have been described as dramatic reversals. This includes cooperation with regional partners in dismantling the drug trafficking corridors. Many military officers linked to illicit networks have been removed. There has been a renewed cooperation with American intelligence. These measures are directly beneficial to the United States by reducing the flow of illicit drugs into North America and weakening transnational criminal organizations.</p>



<p><strong>Reforms in Military Leadership</strong></p>



<p>The recent restructuring of Venezuela’s military hierarchy is another indication that Trump’s strategy is succeeding. Maduro’s inner circle relied heavily on loyalist generals tied to corruption, repression, and foreign influence. Their removal or reassignment has enabled the assignment of anew generation of officers more open to professionalization and international cooperation.</p>



<p>This has also minimized the influence of Cuban intelligence services, which had been deeply embedded in Venezuela’s security apparatus, and the removal of Russian military advisers, greatly diminishing Moscow’s foothold in the region.</p>



<p>For the United States, these changes weaken adversarial networks and reduce the risk of Venezuela serving as a platform for foreign military influence.</p>



<p><strong>Diminished Influence of Russia, China, and Cuba</strong></p>



<p>Perhaps the most geopolitically significant benefit of Trump’s strategy is that Venezuela is no longer a reliable partner for Russia or China. Both countries had invested heavily in Maduro’s survival—financially, militarily, and diplomatically. With Maduro gone Russian access to Venezuelan oil assets has been greatly curtailed – if not totally cut off<strong>. </strong>Chinese loans and infrastructure projects are being renegotiated or frozen. Cuba’s intelligence and security presence has been sharply reduced, cutting off a major source of Havana’s economic and political support.</p>



<p>This realignment is framed as a major strategic win for the United States, restoring American influence in a region where rival powers had made significant inroads.</p>



<p><strong>A Clear Victory for U.S. Strategic Interests</strong></p>



<p>Taken together, these developments give significant evidence that Trump’s Venezuela plan has delivered a clear victory for the United States. The removal of Maduro, the shift toward proâAmerican policies, the restructuring of the military, the crackdown on narcotrafficking, and the rollback of Russian, Chinese, and Cuban influence all point to a transformed geopolitical landscape. From this perspective, the United States has regained a crucial foothold in the Western Hemisphere, strengthened its energy security, and advanced democratic norms—all outcomes that supporters argue validate the boldness of Trump’s approach. It has also made Cuba vulnerable to a pro-American realignment or regime change. Stay tuned on that one.</p>



<p>So, there ‘tis.</p>

Trump’s Venezuelan Policy is a Huge Win for America
