Exiled Venezuelan president-elect Edmundo González Urrutia attended Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday as the guest of Florida Senator Rick Scott.
Despite his status in exile, the US recognizes González as the winner of Venezuela’s July 2024 election. Last September, González was forced into exile after Nicolás Maduro was declared the victor in the election. Maduro was sworn into his third term on January 10. González’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration, as well as his earlier meetings with former president Joe Biden and Trump’s national security advisor Mike Waltz, underscores America’s continued support of the Venezuelan opposition.
The United States has long pressured Maduro’s regime for reform, with economic sanctions targeting Venezuela’s oil and gas sectors. While concessions have been made—some political prisoners and American detainees have been released by Maduro—democratic reforms in the country remain elusive. Trump-era sanctions still survive, but Trump may further increase pressure in his second term. One proposed action would be to revoke Chevron’s special license to operate in Venezuela. The efficacy of this move is questionable, though, as other countries and organizations appear poised to fill the gaps in the energy sector. The move would also impact US oil prices and increase pressure on America’s border due to increased Venezuelan emigration.
Despite these deficiencies, Trump is likely to take these measures, saying on Monday, “We don’t have to buy their oil. We have plenty of oil for ourselves.” It is unlikely that new sanctions will lead to any significant political reforms in Venezuela.
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