Bolton: Venezuela’s Government Stands Firm Without Maduro, Calls U.S. Victory Hollow
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, John Bolton, former National Security Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, has criticized the recent U.S. operation in Venezuela, which led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. In an op-ed for The Telegraph, Bolton highlighted that key figures in Caracas, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, and National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, remain in place, indicating the government’s stability. Bolton noted that Trump’s statements from Florida showed no understanding of this reality, emphasizing the need for someone to inform him promptly.
Bolton further elaborated that while Trump announced the U.S. would oversee Venezuela until a secure transition occurs, he provided no details on how or when this would happen. The former advisor pointed out that Trump implicitly suggested prolonged U.S. control over Caracas and did not rule out the deployment of ground forces. Bolton described the situation as uncertain, with the outcome depending largely on Trump’s decisions.
He also questioned whether Venezuelan opposition figures were aware of or facilitated the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest. Bolton speculated on potential White House coordination with opposition leaders, such as efforts to disperse Chavistas, pit key players against each other, or offer amnesty to those joining the opposition. He concluded by asking what further assistance Washington could provide, underscoring the hollow nature of the victory if Maduro was the sole target.
