Rubio Praises Venezuelan Sanctions

This week, President Donald Trump enacted an executive order targeting Nicolas Maduro and the Venezuelan government.

The executive order imposes sanctions against all U.S.-based assets of what Florida Republicans call Maduro’s narco-terrorist regime.

In addition, it authorizes the U.S. Treasury Department to impose sanctions against any individual or entity who provides any material support to the Maduro regime.

The Treasury Department also announced a new guidance to clarify regulations and general licenses that will ensure the unfettered flow of humanitarian aid to the Venezuelan people.

The executive order comes at a time when lawmakers are discussing how best to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis that Venezuela is facing. Florida lawmakers have been at the forefront of that discussion, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) released a statement praising the Trump administration for the new sanctions.

In the statement, Senator Rubio shared that “under the leadership of President Trump, the United States continues to stand with the people of Venezuela in their fight to restore democratic order and the rule of law.”

Moreover, Rubio expressed that “yesterday’s executive order is yet another step to exert maximum pressure on the Maduro regime by restricting its access to the global financial system.”

He added that “America was the first country to recognize Interim President Juan Guaidó and we reiterate our unwavering support to the democratically elected National Assembly.”

Finally, Rubio asserted that “any country or individual doing business with the Maduro crime family will face sanctions as they are perpetuating the agony of the Venezuelan people.”

Florida leadership has consistently slammed Maduro’s dictatorial reign over Venezuela, calling it illegitimate.

In turn, Maduro has slammed President Trump, and most recently he warned Trump about moving forward with any actions against the Maduro regime. Maduro commented that Trump would be “making mistakes that will leave your hands covered in blood and you will leave the presidency stained with blood.”