Top dictatorship hawk reacts to Chevron being allowed to continue in Venezuela: ‘Best of both worlds'

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration's decision to allow Chevron to maintain its assets in Venezuela is seen as a positive move by Republican Congressman Carlos Gimenez, who supports a return to Trump-era policies regarding Venezuela and its regime under Nicolás Maduro [1][6][15]. Group 1: Chevron's Operations in Venezuela - Chevron is permitted to maintain its assets in Venezuela but is restricted from importing oil and paying royalties to the Maduro regime, which could amount to over $700 million monthly [5][9][15]. - The concern exists that if Chevron were forced out, Chinese interests might take over its assets, which are considered superior in quality compared to other Venezuelan oil infrastructure [5][9]. Group 2: Political Context and Implications - Gimenez emphasizes the intertwined economic relationship between Maduro and Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel, with Venezuela supplying oil to Cuba in exchange for security personnel [11][12]. - The Congressman advocates for a peaceful transition to a legitimate government in Venezuela, supporting Edmundo Gonzalez, who was declared to have lost the 2024 election under disputed circumstances [13][15]. Group 3: Broader Implications for U.S. Policy - The current situation is framed as a struggle between democracy and dictatorship, with Gimenez urging U.S. interests to remain aligned with democratic principles and to avoid any financial support to the Maduro regime [9][15]. - The article highlights the importance of U.S. policy in supporting democratic movements in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela and Cuba, where strongman regimes are in power [10][15].