Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a U.S. Congresswoman representing Florida’s 27th district, has used her social media platform to comment on recent actions taken by the U.S. government regarding Venezuela and its leader Nicolás Maduro.
On December 10, 2025, Salazar expressed approval of the Biden administration’s approach, stating “This is exactly the right move. Maduro’s illegitimate narco-terror regime is kept afloat by two things: DRUGS and OIL MONEY. If we want democracy restored in Venezuela, we have to choke BOTH of the Regime’s life lines. Well done @POTUS!” She included a link in a subsequent post here.
The following day, Salazar reiterated her criticism of Maduro’s leadership style with another post dated December 11, 2025: “Yet another reminder of who Maduro really is: a cruel, illegitimate dictator who stays in power through torture, intimidation, and fear. These are not ‘isolated incidents.’ This is the Maduro model: repress, abuse, and cling to power at any cost. The Venezuelan people deserve https://t.co/0VkR1T8Ao8”
Nicolás Maduro has led Venezuela since 2013 after succeeding Hugo Chávez. His government has faced international condemnation for alleged human rights abuses and undemocratic practices. The United States does not recognize his presidency as legitimate and has imposed sanctions targeting Venezuelan oil exports and officials associated with his administration.
Salazar’s comments reflect longstanding concerns among some U.S. lawmakers about the sources of revenue that sustain Maduro’s government—specifically narcotics trafficking and oil sales—and align with broader calls for increased pressure on Caracas to restore democratic governance.
