multi register escalating to reconstruction partnership
Posts analyzed116
Phases8
Turning points10
Coverage2012–2026
Trump's engagement with Venezuela across 2012–2026 operates on three distinct and often simultaneous registers: Venezuela as a domestic political metaphor ('America will never become Venezuela'), Venezuela as a foreign policy priority (regime change, sanctions, hostage diplomacy, military intervention), and Venezuela as an oil asset to be managed. The arc moves from beauty pageant trivia (2012) through anti-socialist electoral rhetoric (2016–2020), to active regime change diplomacy (2019, 2025), to full military intervention and post-war reconstruction deal (2026). The most striking feature of this dataset — compared to the narrower Maduro file — is how Venezuela's role shifts depending on Trump's political status: when out of office, Venezuela is a metaphor for Democratic failure; when in office, it is an active foreign policy theater. By January 2026, after Maduro's capture, Venezuela transforms from enemy state to partner nation to potential US statehood joke, completing one of the most complete political reversals in the entire dataset series.
2012-2016
peripheral cultural and rhetorical reference
Venezuela appears first in the context of beauty pageants (2012), a fan greeting (2014), and a murdered Miss Venezuela (2014). By 2016 it enters the political frame when Trump pledges to stand with the people of Cuba and Venezuela against oppression, aimed squarely at Florida's Latino electorate. The shift from cultural footnote to political symbol is complete by election day 2016.
Six posts across five years with no thematic coherence. The 2012 post mentions Venezuela in a pageant context. The 2014 murder of Monica Spear generates a condolence post. The 2014 fan greeting is acknowledged. By November 2016, in a Florida rally, Venezuela appears explicitly as a freedom-vs-oppression symbol alongside Cuba — the first use of Venezuela for electoral signaling to Hispanic communities in South Florida. The transition from incidental reference to deliberate political frame is rapid and clearly audience-targeted.
The Florida rally pledge to stand with Cuba and Venezuela against oppression marks Venezuela's formal entry into Trump's electoral vocabulary. From this point it is consistently used as a freedom-vs-socialism contrast, aimed at South Florida's Venezuelan-American and Cuban-American communities.
Two distinct uses emerge simultaneously. The first is genuine foreign policy engagement: calling for Leopoldo López's release (2017), UN speech demanding democratic restoration (2017), and a hostage release in 2018. The second is aggressive domestic deployment: Venezuela becomes the endpoint of Democratic Party governance in midterm attack posts, with Florida, Texas, and the stock market all threatened with becoming 'the next Venezuela'.
Eight posts. The 2017 UN General Assembly speech post calling for full democratic restoration is the most substantively foreign-policy-oriented. The 2018 hostage release from Venezuela is handled matter-of-factly. But the dominant pattern in 2018 is the midterm weaponization: Andrew Gillum will make Florida 'the next Venezuela', Democrats 'like the Venezuela financial model', the stock market will fall if Democrats win because they prefer 'High Taxes & Open Borders' — the Venezuela financial model. This dual-track usage (real policy + domestic metaphor) will persist through 2024.
The 2018 midterm posts are the first systematic deployment of Venezuela as a threat metaphor for Democratic governance within the United States. 'Florida will become the next Venezuela' and 'Democrats like the Venezuela financial model' establish the rhetorical template used through 2024.
Venezuela as the central freedom-vs-socialism battleground of the Western Hemisphere. Guaidó's recognition, direct addresses to the Venezuelan military and Maduro's supporters, declarations that 'socialism is DYING', threats to Cuba over military intervention, and real-time monitoring of protests all signal genuine presidential investment. Russia's withdrawal of personnel is noted as a diplomatic achievement. Bolton is blamed for holding Trump back from more aggressive action.
20 posts — the densest single-year Venezuela engagement of the first term. Trump addresses mass rallies ('more than 50 countries now recognize Guaidó'), issues personal calls to Venezuelan patriots, threatens Cuba over its military role in propping up Maduro, and claims his views on Venezuela were stronger than Bolton's. The freedom-vs-socialism framing reaches its rhetorical peak here: 'socialism is DYING and liberty, prosperity, and democracy are being REBORN'. There is also a notable Russia connection — Trump reports that Russia has 'removed most of their people from Venezuela', framing this as diplomatic progress.
Guaidó's recognition as interim president transforms Venezuela from a metaphor into the central Latin American foreign policy engagement of the first term. Trump addresses Venezuelan military members directly, monitors protests in real time, and threatens Cuba militarily.
Venezuela transitions from active policy to pure electoral metaphor. 'Venezuela on steroids' describes what America will become under Biden/Democrats. Venezuela appears alongside Cuba and Nicaragua as cautionary socialist failures. Election fraud is even linked to Venezuela via the Dominion machines claim. The country is no longer a foreign policy project — it is a warning about America's domestic future.
Seven posts across 2020. Three core uses: (1) anti-socialist electoral contrast (Trump vs. the 'radical left' on Venezuela/Cuba/socialism), (2) maximum-stakes general election framing ('American Dream vs. Socialist Nightmare'), (3) the extraordinary November 2020 post claiming Dominion voting machines were 'engineered by China, Venezuela, Cuba' — the furthest extension of the Venezuela-as-threat metaphor, now reaching into election integrity claims.
The Sidney Powell post claiming Dominion machines were 'engineered by China, Venezuela, Cuba' is the furthest extension of the Venezuela threat metaphor — now reaching into the mechanism of American elections themselves. Venezuela becomes complicit not just in bad governance but in stealing Trump's victory.
Venezuela re-enters the discourse as proof that Trump was right all along: Venezuela intentionally exports criminals to the US (Homeland Security confirms it), America is becoming 'Venezuela on Steroids' under Biden, and Colorado is 'on the verge of becoming the new Venezuela' after courts remove Trump from the ballot. The country is both a real criminal-export threat and a domestic political comparison.
Eight posts across two years. The 2022 Homeland Security confirmation that Venezuela is deliberately sending criminals validates Trump's warnings. 'Venezuela on Steroids' gets its own dedicated post as a self-vindicating prophecy. By 2023 the Venezuela comparison is applied to specific domestic situations: Democratic governance, the Colorado ballot removal case, and the fight against 'Communists' who destroyed Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Venezuela has become a fully portable political metaphor deployable in almost any context.
Venezuela operates on three simultaneous attack tracks in 2024: (1) criminal migration — Tren de Aragua gang members, Venezuelan gang crime in New York City and transit systems, Harris's open border enabling it; (2) oil policy hypocrisy — sanctions relief for failed elections deal; (3) judicial parallel — Trump's prosecution is compared to Venezuela, Russia, and 'banana republics'. These three tracks converge into a single image of Democratic governance as Venezuelanization.
16 posts, the second-densest year after 2019. The Venezuelan gang crime posts (NYPD shooting, subway choking) are visceral and specific. The Harris oil-sanctions-deal posts are policy-detailed. The judicial parallel posts cite Dershowitz, Hemingway, and Hispanic voters warning that the Trump prosecution mirrors Venezuela and Soviet tactics. Grenell's appointment as Special Envoy to Venezuela in December 2024 signals the coming second-term re-engagement, transitioning from electoral rhetoric back to active policy.
The NYPD shooting post — two officers shot by a Venezuelan illegal immigrant in a taxpayer-funded migrant shelter — marks the shift from Venezuela as a systemic metaphor to Venezuela as a source of specific, named violent crime incidents in US cities.
maximum pressure hostage diplomacy then military escalation
Venezuela simultaneously undergoes diplomatic transactions (hostage exchanges, criminal deportation agreements) and military escalation (multiple kinetic strikes against Tren de Aragua, naval blockade, airspace closure). The two tracks coexist: Grenell negotiates; the military strikes. The country is treated as a failed narcostate requiring both incentives and force. By late November the complete airspace closure and 'INCALCULABLE' consequences threat signal the transition to the final phase.
23 posts. January-February 2025: rapid hostage deal (6 Americans freed), Venezuela agrees to accept deported criminals and Tren de Aragua members back. February: Biden concessions reversed. March: secondary tariffs on Venezuelan oil buyers shake global markets. Courts block deportations — Trump publicly frustrated. September: two kinetic military strikes against drug trafficking vessels affiliated with Venezuelan narcoterrorists in international waters. October: third kinetic strike. November: airspace closure declared, Honduras elections framed as Venezuela vs. democracy, naval armada assembled. The escalation is systematic and announced publicly in real time.
The six-hostage release and Venezuela's agreement to accept deportees (including Tren de Aragua members) mark the first positive transactional exchange with Venezuela, coexisting with the ongoing pressure campaign. The relationship becomes simultaneously punitive and diplomatic.
The first kinetic strike against Venezuelan narcoterrorists in international waters crosses the threshold from economic and diplomatic pressure to armed military action. Two more strikes follow in September and October.
The airspace closure declaration — addressed to 'all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers' — signals a move from targeted military operations to comprehensive national blockade. The armada deployment days later completes the encirclement.
After Maduro's capture (January 3), Venezuela transforms with stunning speed from enemy state to reconstruction partner. Oil deal, political prisoner releases, US-only purchasing commitments, Cuban security apparatus destruction, Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, democratic restoration, and finally a statehood joke — the full arc from adversary to almost-ally is compressed into ten weeks. Venezuela becomes a showcase for Trump's 'peace through strength' doctrine.
27 posts — the densest Venezuela period in the entire dataset. The sequence is extraordinary: January 3 capture announcement → January 6 oil deal (30-50 million barrels handed to the US) → January 7 Venezuela commits to buying American products → January 9 political prisoners released, second wave of attacks cancelled → January 10 'I love the Venezuelan people, making Venezuela rich again' → January 14 call with Interim President Delcy Rodríguez → January 15 María Corina Machado presents Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize → January 26 more prisoner releases → February reports of Cuba's security apparatus in Venezuela destroyed → February 12 'relations between Venezuela and the US have been extraordinary' → March 4 Rodríguez praised as doing 'a great job' → March 16 Venezuela defeats Italy in baseball, Trump jokes about statehood (#51). The Venezuela-as-Iran parallel is explicitly made by Trump himself: the Iran armada is described as 'larger than the one sent to Venezuela'.
Maduro's capture and the immediate pivot to oil deals, prisoner releases, and reconstruction agreements represent the most dramatic single-day reversal in the dataset. Within 72 hours Venezuela goes from blockaded adversary to cooperative partner. Within 6 weeks it is being compared to Iran as a template for peace through strength.
The baseball post — Venezuela beats Italy in the WBC, Trump jokes about making Venezuela 'State #51' — is the lightest and most surreal moment in the entire Venezuela dataset. It signals the full normalization of the post-war relationship and Trump's comfort treating Venezuela as a friendly partner. The journey from 'INCALCULABLE consequences' to statehood jokes took approximately four months.
Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight, 4-2, in the WBC (Baseball!) Semifinal. They are looking really great. Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51 , ANYONE? President DONALD J. TRUMP
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The incredible people of Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, who want desperately to get rid of Thomas Massie, the Worst “Republican” Congressman we have had in many years, gave us a mandate to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! The person that will help us do the job, and do it right, is Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, Fifth Generation Kentucky Farmer, and American Hero, Captain Ed Gallrein, a true Patriot. Today, Ed, who also happens to be central casting, officially filed to run for Congress. I have heard that there are other Candidates exploring a run for this seat, but I am asking all MAGA Warriors to rally behind Captain Ed Gallrein, the Candidate who is, far and away, best positioned to DEFEAT Third Rate Congressman Thomas Massie, a Weak and Pathetic RINO from the beautiful Commonwealth of Kentucky, a place I love, and won BIG, ALL THREE TIMES.\n \nA Brave Combat Veteran, Ed knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH. He is a big fan of our recent attack on Nicolas Maduro, the Dictator of Venezuela. Additionally, as a very successful Businessman, Ed knows how to Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Support our Amazing Farmers and American Agriculture, Unleash American Energy Dominance, and Champion our Nation’s Golden Age. In Congress, he will fight tirelessly to Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.\n \nCaptain Ed Gallrein has my Complete and Total Endorsement against “Congressman” Thomas Massie — He only votes AGAINST the Republican Party, making life very easy for the Radical Left. Unlike “lightweight” Congressman Massie, a true hater of Israel, and a totally ineffective LOSER who has failed us so badly, CAPTAIN ED GALLREIN IS A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET KENTUCKY DOWN!
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We just concluded a very good meeting with the largest U.S. Defense Manufacturing Companies where we discussed Production and Production Schedules. They have agreed to quadruple Production of the “Exquisite Class” Weaponry in that we want to reach, as rapidly as possible, the highest levels of quantity. Expansion began three months prior to the meeting, and Plants and Production of many of these Weapons are already under way. We have a virtually unlimited supply of Medium and Upper Medium Grade Munitions, which we are using, as an example, in Iran, and recently used in Venezuela. Regardless, however, we have also increased Orders at these levels. The Companies represented were the CEOs of BAE Systems, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, L3Harris Missile Solutions, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon. The meeting concluded with another meeting scheduled in two months. States all over the Country are bidding for these new Plants. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP
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Delcy Rodríguez, who is the President of Venezuela, is doing a great job, and working with U.S. Representatives very well. The Oil is beginning to flow, and the professionalism and dedication between both Countries is a very nice thing to see! President DONALD J. TRUMP
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Have unlimited mid to upper tier Weaponry - Brutal “stuff.” Wall Street Journal story was wrong, and a disgrace. President DJT\n https://www. washingtonpost.com/opinions/20 26/03/03/iran-strike-venezuela-military-trump-doctrine/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9
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Their air defense, Air Force, Navy, and Leadership is gone. They want to talk. I said “Too Late!”\n https://www. washingtonpost.com/opinions/20 26/03/03/iran-strike-venezuela-military-trump-doctrine/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9
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Sometimes in life you waste time! T.V. Host Bill Maher asked to have dinner with me through one of his friends, also a friend of mine, and I agreed. He came into the famed Oval Office much different than I thought he would be. He was extremely nervous, had ZERO confidence in himself and, to soothe his nerves, immediately, within seconds, asked for a “Vodka Tonic.” He said to me, “I’ve never felt like this before, I’m actually scared.” In one respect, it was somewhat endearing! Anyway, we had a great dinner, it was quick, easy, and he seemed to be a nice guy and, for his first show after our dinner, he was very respectful about our meeting — But with everything I have done in bringing our Country back from “OBLIVION,” why wouldn’t he be? But then I noticed his show started to devolve into the same old story — Very boring, ANTI TRUMP, no mention of the PERFECT Border, Lowest Crime in 125 years, the Mass Removal of Stone Cold Criminals, the 50,000 DOW, the 7,000 S&P (Both Highest Ever!), Least Number of Murders since 1900, Venezuela, “Midnight Hammer,” Soleimani DEAD, al-Baghdadi DEAD, Lowest Inflation in YEARS (1.2% for last three months!), the Rebuilding of our Military, Eight War Stoppages, and on, and on, and on! In any event, it was a total waste of time for me to have this jerk at the White House and last night, after explaining what a DISASTER Canadian “Leaders” are to deal with, how Canada has “ripped off” the United States for years on TRADE (But not anymore!), I jokingly stated in a TRUTH that, “The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup.” Well, he went on and on about the Hockey statement, like “What kind of a person would say such a foolish thing as this,” as though I were being serious when I said it. Fortunately, his Television Ratings are so low that nobody will learn about his various Fake News statements about me. He is no different than Kimmel, Fallon, or Colbert but, I must admit, slightly more talented! Anyway, Bill Maher is a highly overrated LIGHTWEIGHT, and Republicans should stop using him to show how the Left is coming over our way — Our Base, the Greatest of All Time, laughs at your weakness when you do it! Maher asked me if he could come back to the White House again and, with his friend, also asked to come to the wonderful White House Christmas Party, but he didn’t. Regardless, I’d much rather spend my time MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN than wasting it on him. Bill continues to suffer from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS!), and there is nothing that will ever be done to cure him of this very serious disease. Thank you for your attention to this minor matter! President DJT
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Relations between Venezuela and the United States have been, to put it mildly, extraordinary! We are dealing very well with President Delcy Rodriguez, and her Representatives. Oil is starting to flow, and large amounts of money, unseen for many years, will soon be greatly helping the people of Venezuela. Marco Rubio, and all of our Representatives, are doing a fantastic job, but we speak only for ourselves, and don’t want there to be any confusion or misrepresentation. There is a story about a man named Harry Sargeant III in The Wall Street Journal. He has no authority, in any way, shape, or form, to act on behalf of the United States of America, nor does anyone else that is not approved by the State Department. Without this approval, no one is authorized to represent our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
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It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India, this morning. He is one of my greatest friends and, a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country. We spoke about many things, including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine. He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week! Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%. They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO. The Prime Minister also committed to “BUY AMERICAN,” at a much higher level, in addition to over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of U.S. Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products. Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that GET THINGS DONE, something that cannot be said for most. Thank you for your attention to this matter!\n \nPRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
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Trump Says He Welcomes China, India Investment in Venezuela Oil: https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/20 26-02-01/trump-says-he-welcomes-china-india-investment-in-venezuela-oil/
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A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. Hopefully Iran will quickly “Come to the Table” and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn’t, and there was “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP
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I am pleased to report that Venezuela is releasing its Political Prisoners at a rapid rate, which rate will be increasing over the coming short period of time. I’d like to thank the leadership of Venezuela for agreeing to this powerful humanitarian gesture! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
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The incredible people of Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, who want desperately to get rid of Thomas Massie, the Worst “Republican” Congressman we have had in many years, gave us a mandate to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! The person that will help us do the job, and do it right, is Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, Fifth Generation Kentucky Farmer, and American Hero, Captain Ed Gallrein, a true Patriot. Today, Ed, who also happens to be central casting, officially filed to run for Congress. I have heard that there are other Candidates exploring a run for this seat, but I am asking all MAGA Warriors to rally behind Captain Ed Gallrein, the Candidate who is, far and away, best positioned to DEFEAT Third Rate Congressman Thomas Massie, a Weak and Pathetic RINO from the beautiful Commonwealth of Kentucky, a place I love, and won BIG, ALL THREE TIMES.\n \nA Brave Combat Veteran, Ed knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH. He is a big fan of our recent attack on Nicolas Maduro, the Dictator of Venezuela. Additionally, as a very successful Businessman, Ed knows how to Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Support our Amazing Farmers and American Agriculture, Unleash American Energy Dominance, and Champion our Nation’s Golden Age. In Congress, he will fight tirelessly to Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.\n \nCaptain Ed Gallrein has my Complete and Total Endorsement against “Congressman” Thomas Massie — He only votes AGAINST the Republican Party, making life very easy for the Radical Left. Unlike “lightweight” Congressman Massie, a true hater of Israel, and a totally ineffective LOSER who has failed us so badly, CAPTAIN ED GALLREIN IS A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET KENTUCKY DOWN!
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It was my Great Honor to meet María Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today. She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much. María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you María!
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This morning I had a very good call with the Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez. We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover. Many topics were discussed, including Oil, Minerals, Trade and, of course, National Security. This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL. Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before!
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Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided “Security Services” for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE! Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last weeks U.S.A. attack, and Venezuela doesn’t need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years. Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will. THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT
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Venezuela has started the process, in a BIG WAY, of releasing their political prisoners. Thank you! I hope those prisoners will remember how lucky they got that the USA came along and did what had to be done. I HOPE THEY NEVER FORGET! If they do, it will not be good for them. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!! President DJT
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I love the Venezuelan people, and am already making Venezuela rich and safe again. Congratulations and thank you to all of those people who are making this possible!!! President DJT
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“Our Country would be Venezuela on steroids if it weren’t for President Donald J. Trump!” \n“The strongest Economic Growth since 1990!” — Mark Pe
