Venezuela strengthens its opposition against the U.S. and allies itself more closely with President Maduro
In the year 2025, the political landscape between Venezuela and the United States remains tense and complex. The current administration, led by Nicolás Maduro and the Chavista party, continues to adhere to the socialist and anti-imperialist stance initiated by Hugo Chávez in 1999. This political line, however, is viewed by the U.S. and many Western countries as authoritarian and a violator of human rights.
The U.S. government regards Maduro's re-election in 2025 as illegitimate and continues to refuse recognition of his administration. This stance is a result of ideological conflicts, accusations of coup support, and allegations of human rights violations. The U.S. maintains sanctions and diplomatic pressure, while Venezuela views the U.S. as hostile and accuses it of interference.
One of the contentious issues is the alleged involvement of a criminal network known as the "Cartel of the Suns." This network, believed to be within Venezuela's military forces, is linked to drug trafficking and organized crime, and is closely associated with the Chavista regime. Although explicit mentions in recent sources are limited, the U.S. maintains a strong stance accusing Venezuelan officials and the military, often associated with this cartel, of involvement in illicit drug trade and corruption.
Despite the antagonism, there have been some attempts at communication and limited cooperation. For instance, in 2025, some Venezuelan detainees were released from U.S. prisons, and Chevron resumed limited oil operations under tight conditions, reflecting pragmatic dealings amid ongoing conflict.
The political stalemate also aggravates Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis, leading to migration flows that destabilize neighboring countries like Colombia and the U.S. U.S. policies focusing on deportations and sanctions have complex effects, sometimes exacerbating humanitarian suffering without resolving underlying political problems.
Diosdado Cabello, Minister of the Interior, has declared readiness to defend against any attack. The name 'The Cartel of the Suns' refers to sun insignias worn by Venezuelan generals. The new imperialist attack, according to Chavismo, aims to overthrow governments not aligned with them.
The PSUV, despite being in the minority among Venezuelan voters, dominates all elected positions. Recent elections for legislators, governors, and mayors had a high abstention rate and were boycotted by major opposition parties. Sanctions have been imposed on Chavismo by the United States since 2017 for alleged human rights violations and attacks on democracy.
Chavismo claims the rewards and sanctions imposed by the United States are due to pressure from the internal opposition. Chavismo has reaffirmed its total loyalty to Maduro, who is designated as a leader of a drug-trafficking and terrorist gang by the United States. The internal opposition is labeled as 'fascist and terrorist' by Chavismo.
Washington is offering a $50 million reward for Maduro's capture. As the political standoff continues, both nations grapple with the complexities of their relationship, balancing confrontation with cautious communication and transactional cooperation focusing on migration and security issues.
- The ongoing tension between Venezuela and the United States extends to various aspects of their relationship, including war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, as the U.S. government's refusal to recognize Maduro's re-election and continued sanctions are met with Venezuelan accusations of interference.
- In the context of the political stalemate between the two nations, news about human rights violations, drug trafficking, and organized crime, particularly the "Cartel of the Suns," remain contentious issues that fuel the complexities of their relationship.
