US Senator Rick Scott has called for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to leave the country, warning that his regime is nearing collapse. Scott, a prominent Venezuela hawk, suggested that Maduro should seek refuge in Russia or China, though he expressed surprise if a full-scale US invasion were to occur. The senator’s comments come as Washington intensifies its military operations off Venezuela’s coast, targeting drug trafficking networks linked to the Maduro government. These actions have drawn opposition from Russia and China, which accuse the US of interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs.
Scott, who serves on the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, indicated during an interview with CBS News that Maduro’s days are numbered. The Florida Republican, known for his strong stance against Maduro, co-authored the 2024 STOP MADURO Act, which offers a $100 million reward for information leading to the Venezuelan leader’s arrest and conviction. While he expressed surprise at the possibility of a direct US invasion, he emphasized the need for Maduro to step down. This comes as the United States expands its military presence in the Caribbean, with warships, surveillance aircraft, and special forces operating off Venezuela’s coast. The move is part of a broader counter-narcotics campaign, with US officials accusing Maduro’s government of enabling large-scale drug trafficking.
Russia and China have condemned these actions, warning against foreign interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs and supporting the Maduro government with diplomatic and military aid. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signaled that the US could extend its campaign from maritime to land-based operations, though he has publicly denied that Washington seeks to remove Maduro from power. The situation highlights the deepening tensions between the United States and its regional allies, as well as the precarious political climate in Venezuela under Maduro’s leadership.