WASHINGTON—Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) discussed the Trump Administration's sanctions on Venezuela in a recent interview with The Floridian, calling the President a "master negotiator."
"People are fleeing Venezuela because of the failed state that it is, even though it should be one of the richest countries in the world, given their oil reserves," Rep. Haridopolos began, adding, "In the last 30 years, they have gone from rich to poor because communism is a failure. And that is an immigration push to us, and we want to stop this immigration push."
Rep. Haridopolos suggested that, ideally, Venezuela would become a free market society and resume being a viable trading partner with the United States.
The Floridian noted that American oil companies have a presence in Venezuela, and the Trump Administration has placed new sanctions on the regime of Nicolas Maduro. However, China, Iran, and Russia have helped the South American country evade those sanctions. Thus, we asked the Florida Congressman what the White House should do.
"I think the President has been a master negotiator," Haridopolos answered, adding, "This is our hemisphere of influence. As you know, with the Belt and Road projects that the Chinese do, they always try to leverage other countries, whether it be Ethiopia or other parts of the world. So we need to be very smart on how to do this. And you know, we pray that there will be regime change internally. We are not going to send American troops to do it, but regime change in Venezuela so that this country can thrive, and you want people living in freedom."
The Florida Congressman concluded by reiterating his faith in President Trump to "come up with a great plan," further saying, "Marco Rubio has been a phenomenal Secretary of State. He has proven to be a master negotiator in many other situations, and hopefully, the American pressure being put on Venezuela [will make it so] the Venezuelan people can make the adjustment, because it is a lose-lose situation there right now."
