Two Democrats Back Trump on Maduro — But Urge a Better Plan to Govern Venezuela
In a notable Fox News opinion piece, two Democrats — political consultants Douglas E. Schoen and Robert Green — expressed support for former President Donald Trump’s removal of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro, while simultaneously calling for a clearer, more democratic plan for Venezuela’s future. Their perspective underscores a rare bipartisan moment of agreement on U.S. foreign policy, even as debate continues over how best to support democracy abroad. Fox News
Support for Maduro’s Removal
Schoen and Green begin by acknowledging that Maduro’s regime was a uniquely harmful force in Venezuela and a persistent problem for the United States. Maduro’s government was widely condemned for manipulating elections, suppressing opposition, and overseeing an economy in collapse, driving millions of Venezuelans into exile and turning the country into a hub for drug trafficking and geopolitical tensions. Fox News
The authors argue that Trump’s operation to remove Maduro was “extraordinary” in its execution and represented a significant strike against authoritarianism in the Western Hemisphere. This view departs from many prominent Democrats who criticized the action for lacking congressional approval or clear strategic follow‑through. Fox News
Bipartisan Concerns Over What Comes Next
Despite backing Maduro’s removal, Schoen and Green make clear that they — and other leaders across political lines — are concerned about the future structure of Venezuelan governance. They warn that removing Maduro is only the first step in a longer and more complex journey toward democracy. Fox News
Their primary concern centers on the risk that Maduro loyalists could remain in power or that commercial interests might overshadow democratic reform. To avoid these outcomes, the authors argue that U.S. policy should not just stop at removal but should promote fair elections, free markets, and respect for the Venezuelan people’s will. Fox News
Lessons From History
Schoen and Green invoke historical precedent to make their case. They reference figures like the late Senator Sam Nunn, who supported decisive action in past conflicts while also warning against becoming a “permanent occupying force.” Applying this lesson, the authors stress that the U.S. must avoid appearing as foreign overseers and instead support Venezuelan self‑determination through internationally monitored elections and transitional governance. Fox News
A Path Toward Democracy
Looking ahead, the opinion piece outlines a vision for Venezuelan governance that includes:
- Smooth and internationally supervised elections to ensure legitimacy. Fox News
- Respect for free markets and individual rights as a foundation for economic recovery. Fox News
- A transition strategy that reflects both Venezuelans’ desires and broader democratic principles. Fox News
Schoen and Green argue that this approach would not only help stabilize Venezuela but also send a powerful message about America’s commitment to democratic ideals — a message they believe should be welcomed by leaders across the political spectrum. Fox News
Why This Opinion Matters
This opinion piece stands out because it comes from two Democrats who endorsed elements of Trump’s foreign policy action — a notable departure from typical partisan responses. It reflects a nuanced debate over how the U.S. engages with authoritarian regimes and what comes after military or political interventions. Fox News
Whether policymakers adopt the authors’ recommendations remains to be seen, but their argument reinforces that support for democracy abroad and concern over governance strategy are not confined to one political party. Fox News
Conclusion
The removal of Nicolás Maduro has ignited fierce debate in Washington and around the world. While some applaud the decisive action, others are urging policymakers to think deeply about the next phase: how to help Venezuela move toward a democratic, stable, and free future. The opinion by Schoen and Green reflects that broader conversation, emphasizing that democracy cannot be imposed by force alone — it must be cultivated through legitimate, inclusive governance. Fox News