The shifting dynamics in Venezuela have long posed challenges, particularly in areas like trade, energy and migration. However, its recent agreement with the Trump administration to resume repatriation flights marks a notable development — demonstrating that even nations with strained relations can find common ground when mutual interests converge. This shift follows President Trump’s decision to allow U.S. oil companies to export Venezuelan oil, a strategic move that benefits both American consumers and our national security interests.
At the core of this development is the undeniable truth: We now have a President whose policies are driven by American interests and getting results versus being driven by empty slogans and outdated leftwing ideology. (RELATED: ANDREW SURABIAN: Stopping Big Auto’s Latest Data Collection Schemes)
Look no further than the catastrophic immigration crisis created by the failed border policies of President Biden and Vice President Harris. For four years, the Biden-Harris administration allowed unchecked migration to flood across our borders, and the consequences were devastating.
Millions of illegal migrants poured into our country, overwhelming communities, stretching resources thin, and displacing American workers. Even worse, the Biden administration’s reckless border policies contributed to a surge in fentanyl and other deadly drugs, taking countless American lives through overdoses and crime, including Laken Riley, whose murder at the hands of an illegal Venezuelan migrant serves as a stark reminder of what happens when leaders refuse to prioritize American safety.
Despite the undeniable failures of Biden and Harris, they continued to insist throughout the 2024 election that they had the situation under control. We saw the laughable proclamations from Kamala Harris, who claimed she wanted to secure the border, but spent her entire campaign pushing empty rhetoric about addressing the “root causes” of migration, while proposing nothing to actually stop illegal immigration. Meanwhile, the border remained wide open, and law-abiding Americans were left to suffer the consequences of their inaction.
President Trump, however, never wavered on what American voters wanted: A secure border, the deportation of illegal and violent migrants, and an immigration policy that protects American workers and families. He won the 2024 election in a landslide because voters demanded this action.
Now, with this Biden-Harris disaster behind us, President Trump is delivering on his mandate to restore security, enforce immigration laws, and put America First because unlike his predecessors, he’s strictly focused on America’s national interest.
His decision to allow American oil companies like Chevron to operate in Venezuela is a perfect example of smart, strategic leadership. Not only does this policy help lower costs for American consumers at the pump – one of the many reasons he overwhelmingly won in 2024 – but it also strengthens rule of law and promotes stability in Venezuela, which will lead to fewer Venezuelans feeling the need to come into our country illegally.
Unlike Joe Biden’s weak and stupid foreign policy, which allowed our adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran to gain influence in the region, Trump’s strategy puts American interests first.
Permitting American companies to invest in Venezuela and drill for Venezuelan oil, creates economic opportunities that benefit both nations. A stronger Venezuelan economy driven by American investment means fewer Venezuelans seeking to illegally cross our borders in search of better opportunities. Instead of relying on empty “root cause” rhetoric, President Trump is implementing real solutions that give potential migrants a reason to stay in their own country.
Instead of allowing illegal migrants and criminals like Venezuelan Jose Ibarra, the brutal murderer of Laken Riley, to cross into the U.S., we ensure that Venezuelans have a future in their own country, not at the expense of American lives. This is the kind of firm, results-driven America First economic and national security policy that Americans voted for and supported in President Trump during the 2024 election.
President Trump understands that national security starts with strong leadership both at home and abroad. Allowing U.S. businesses, like Chevron, to engage with Venezuela under strict economic oversight, doesn’t just help the people of Venezuela, but most importantly, it benefits our nation.
This is the America First agenda in action. This is the immigration and energy policy that benefits American citizens. This is what happens when you put the national interest ahead of rhetoric and slogans. And this is why President Trump was overwhelmingly elected to restore our country’s security, economy, and sovereignty.
Andy Surabian is a Republican Strategist. He serves as a top political adviser to Vice President Vance, Donald Trump Jr. and multiple US Senators.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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