Let’s see if they change their tune once Trump is in the Oval office.
Puerto Rico’s newly elected Governor Jenniffer González-Colón has called on President-elect Donald Trump to take swift action in response to threats made by Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. In a letter addressed to Trump, González-Colón expressed grave concern over Maduro’s recent comments, in which he suggested the possibility of an invasion of the U.S. territory.
Maduro, who remains in power despite widespread international condemnation of his illegitimate election, made these threats during a speech at the “International Anti-Fascist Festival” in Caracas. He pointedly referenced U.S. foreign policy, accusing the U.S. of having a “colonial agenda” and vowing to “liberate” Puerto Rico, even mentioning the use of Brazilian military forces. This inflammatory rhetoric was widely seen as a direct challenge to U.S. sovereignty and a destabilizing act in the region.
González-Colón, who assumed office just weeks ago, emphasized in her letter that Puerto Rico has been a vital part of the United States since 1898, with Puerto Ricans granted U.S. citizenship in 1917. She reminded Trump that Puerto Ricans have served honorably in every American military conflict since World War I, underscoring their loyalty to the nation. The Governor also pointed to a 2024 plebiscite, in which 56.87% of voters expressed support for Puerto Rico’s statehood, reinforcing the island’s desire to strengthen its ties with the United States.
In her message, González-Colón emphasized that Puerto Rico is home to essential U.S. military installations, including Fort Buchanan, Camp Santiago, and Muniz Air National Guard Base. These bases play a crucial role in U.S. military readiness and operations, and Puerto Rico is also home to U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection units, which help secure America’s borders and combat drug trafficking, particularly from Venezuela.
González-Colón concluded by urging Trump to take immediate action against Maduro’s provocations, promising to work with his administration to protect American sovereignty and the security of the Western Hemisphere. She reiterated that the people of Puerto Rico, having rejected independence, are steadfast in their commitment to the United States and its values.
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Fla.) supported González-Colón’s call for a strong response, noting that under the Biden administration, Maduro’s regime has been emboldened by a policy of appeasement. He praised Trump’s leadership in dealing with such threats, emphasizing that the new administration would prioritize U.S. national security and stand firm against dictatorships like Venezuela’s.
As the situation unfolds, Puerto Rico’s future remains a critical issue for the United States, and Governor González-Colón’s call to action highlights the ongoing importance of defending American sovereignty and supporting allies against growing threats from regimes like Maduro’s.