Venezuela on High Alert as Trump Threat Looms
CARACAS – The Miraflores Palace is bracing for potential conflict as Venezuelan leadership expresses growing concern over the intentions of former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to sources within the Chavismo government. This shift marks a departure from the six years of fluctuating engagement – characterized by secret negotiations, prisoner releases, and oil licensing discussions – that previously defined U.S.-Venezuela relations.
unlike past periods where Chavismo officials, including President Nicolás maduro and Diosdado Cabello, balanced anti-imperialist rhetoric with White House envoys, “There is no open dialog channel right now with Trump’s people, there is not,” stated a source familiar with the prior conversations. This lack of dialogue has fueled fears within the regime of a potential armed conflict, a scenario previously considered unlikely as the establishment of the Bolivarian Revolution.
The venezuelan government is reportedly taking concrete steps in readiness. These include monitoring for potential internal dissent and actively recruiting combatants, with Maduro claiming millions of military personnel and militiamen are prepared. While these figures are unverified,the Armed Forces have been observed conducting firearms training for residents in popular neighborhoods – historically Chavismo strongholds that propelled hugo Chávez to power.
This mobilization occurs amidst declining domestic support for Chavismo, evidenced by the mass emigration of venezuelans – estimated in the millions by the UN – to countries like Spain and the United States. Last year’s elections further underscored this erosion of support.
Public displays of military readiness are also underway. Images circulating on Instagram depict Diosdado Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Godfather addressing troops. Additionally, Adam Chávez, brother of the late Hugo Chávez, was recently featured in a martial arts exhibition.
Facing what they perceive as a credible threat from Trump – characterized by both missile displays and propaganda – officials within Miraflores Palace are reportedly experiencing a state of confusion and heightened anxiety.
