Republicans continue to highlight the deal negotiated between the Biden Administration and Venezuela regarding the easing of U.S. economic sanctions. The opposition party in Venezuela is currently challenging the election results that saw Nicolas Maduro win another 6 years in office despite losing the vote. In response to the election fraud, Republicans are denouncing the results as well as directing blame on President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D). Calling Maduro a "liar and a dictator," Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) is demanding President Biden to respond.
Opposition leaders like Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez, who challenged Maduro in the election, are now facing persecution in Venezuela. Footage of opposition leaders being kidnapped has circulated on social media, and lawmakers worry that the same could befall on Machado and Gonzalez.
During an interview with Fox News, Senator Scott commented on the election results, questioning why President Biden has not released a statement on the political turmoil in Venezuela.
Maduro is a liar and a dictator. We know @EdmundoGU won.
It's time @POTUS stands with the people of Venezuela and stands up to Maduro and his thugs. pic.twitter.com/hwejlThXMn
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) July 31, 2024
"I can't get Biden to do anything. I've called the White House. I've called everybody I can to talk to Biden to say something," Senator Scott lamented. Calling on the current administration to "support the people," Senator Scott reaffirmed that Gonzalez won the election and that Maduro has no right to declare himself the winner.
"The opposition won 73% of that vote. That's everything that we've seen so far," Senator Scott explained. "The Biden Administration gave him the opportunity to lie and steal another election."
Earlier this year, the Biden Administration approved the easing of sanctions given that Maduro had assured that there would be "free and fair" elections in July. However, after winning the primary, Machado was considered "ineligible" to face Maduro in the election. Subsequently, Maduro declared himself the victor in the early hours of Monday despite trailing by over 40 points in the exit results.
