Trump's misguided approach to Venezuela and democracy

Trump's recent remarks about reviving American oil investments in Venezuela highlight a fundamental misunderstanding of what it truly means to engage with that country. As Thomas L. Friedman points out, the only way to make any significant progress in Venezuela is to support the restoration of its democracy. Yet here we have Trump, a man who has consistently undermined democratic values at home, now trying to play the role of a saviour for a foreign nation while turning a blind eye to the very principles that make democracy thrive. It’s infuriating to see him talk about investments as if money can somehow solve the deep-rooted issues created by years of authoritarian rule. His administration has shown time and again that profit often takes precedence over principles—just look at his dealings with other autocrats around the world. This is not just about oil; it’s about the future of a nation that deserves better than the chaos Trump has helped perpetuate. If he truly wants to help Venezuela, he needs to realise that democracy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifeline for its people. We cannot ignore the fact that his policies have often favoured authoritarian regimes while putting our own democratic values at risk. The hypocrisy is staggering, and it’s time we demand accountability from leaders who treat democracy like a mere bargaining chip. Read more here: https://www.nytimes.com/column/thomas-l-friedman