Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, support for President Donald Trump has reportedly increased within the Venezuelan and Cuban communities in the United States.
Venezuelan Support for Donald Trump
Venezuelans who previously supported Donald Trump in the November 2024 elections had expressed feelings of betrayal during his first term. This dissatisfaction was particularly acute in Florida, home to approximately 400,000 of the 1.3 million Venezuelans residing in the U.S.
Specific actions that initially disappointed the community included the suspension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, the reception of special envoy Richard Grenell in Caracas to negotiate the release of six American hostages, and Maduro’s acceptance of deportation flights despite a breakdown in diplomatic relations since 2019.
However, the beginning of 2026 appears to have shifted sentiment. Carlos Muñoz, a resident of the U.S. for ten years, suggested erecting a statue of Trump alongside Simón Bolívar in Caracas, stating it would serve as a reminder that while Bolívar initially liberated Venezuela, Trump completed the task. Muñoz believes “the only way they were going to get out of the government was with a military intervention.” Yanet Tensenberg, accompanying Muñoz, added, “Trump is a man of his word.”
The change in perception is linked to Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces at Fuerte Tiuna following a military deployment in the Caribbean during Trump’s second term. Venezuelans gathered outside a Manhattan courthouse beginning January 5th, reportedly staying awake for days after learning of Maduro’s capture from family in Venezuela.
Boris Molina, 59, stated, “I know many migrants are upset about the deportations and the elimination of TPS, but if there is a transition to democracy in Venezuela, there will be a country to return to.” Bárbara, who preferred to withhold her last name, expressed gratitude, saying, “Trump now says that Venezuelans will be protected, and I am immensely grateful. I love Donald Trump, the only president in the world who turned to look at Venezuela, the only one who felt sorry for the people, who are starving, who have no gasoline, who are suffering.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the increase in support for President Trump?
The increase in support is linked to the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, following a military deployment in the Caribbean.
What were some of the earlier sources of dissatisfaction among Venezuelan Americans?
Venezuelan Americans expressed disappointment with the suspension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, the reception of a U.S. envoy in Caracas, and the acceptance of deportation flights by Maduro.
Where is a significant concentration of the Venezuelan population in the United States?
Approximately 400,000 of the 1.3 million Venezuelans in the U.S. reside in Florida.
As Venezuela potentially moves toward a transition, what role might the diaspora community play in rebuilding efforts?
