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President Trump’s recent decisive actions against Venezuela and Cuba have sparked renewed optimism for liberation from these oppressive regimes, according to Nicaraguan diplomat Arturo McFields, who currently lives in exile.
“The U.S. is back and reassuming its leadership in Latin America,” McFields, a former journalist and Nicaragua’s previous ambassador to the Organization of American States, wrote. “This time, it will not hand power over to China, Iran, or any other Eastern Hemisphere power.
“Leadership through strength is fundamental. Like President Ronald Reagan, Trump is not willing to accept blackmail or pressure from any banana republic over key areas such as trade, drug trafficking, or migration. This administration is not afraid of conflict or controversy — on the contrary, it sees these as a necessary part of the path to change.”
A major blow to Nicolas Maduro's revenues. Trump cuts financial lifeline for Venezuela’s government by ending permit to export oil to US pic.twitter.com/VBjra0vrF5
— Arturo McFields Yescas (@ArturoMcfields) February 28, 2025
McFields points to various developments across Latin America as evidence of this shift.
“The policy of conquering in chaos is generating results in Venezuela and beyond,” he continued. “For the first time, Mexico is handing over dozens of key drug lords to the U.S. without denials or delays. The Attorney General of Panama has also declared unconstitutional its government’s agreements with Chinese companies in the port sector.
“More countries are receiving migrants and creating programs to repatriate them. And the list goes on and on. These changes don’t happen by accident, these changes are intentional, and it’s just getting started.”
McFields specifically praised several key initiatives, including:
1. “Trump’s announcement of an end to oil concessions to Venezuela.”
2. “The imposition of restrictions on U.S. visas for those who sponsor international medical brigades organized by Cuba’s communist regime.”
3. “Including the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua prison gang on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations.”
#BREAKING: Trump just reversed the oil concessions Biden granted to Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro. pic.twitter.com/pRiDQYDrPe
— Arturo McFields Yescas (@ArturoMcfields) February 26, 2025
“This new change of policy seeks to bury once and for all appeasement policies implemented by the Biden administration,” he wrote. “The U.S. is finally calling out names and taking significant actions.
“A new standard is being set for relations with Latin America. The security, prosperity, and well-being of the U.S. is closely linked to the security and prosperity of this region. This administration is addressing the symptoms and root causes of migration.
“Trump is securing the borders and dealing with authoritarian regimes that intentionally generate greater immigration to the U.S. He is holding every country accountable for its share of the problem — a comprehensive and unprecedented approach.”
