Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) is sounding the alarm on Venezuela’s growing danger to the United States — and urging President Donald Trump to be prepared for decisive American action. In a candid Fox Business interview Monday, Salazar said socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro now realizes the United States is “about to go in,” creating what she described as a major opportunity for American security, American energy, and American workers.

Her warning came as the Trump administration officially designated the Cartel de los Soles — the powerful criminal network tied directly to Maduro — as a foreign terrorist organization. With that designation, Maduro is no longer just a failed socialist leader. He is now considered a terror-linked threat sitting just three hours from the U.S. mainland.

“Maduro is the head of a terrorist organization,” Salazar said. “He’s on the list. We can take him out and extradite him.”

Maduro Under Pressure as Trump Tightens the Screws

Salazar explained that Maduro is panicking because:

• U.S. airspace over Venezuela is being restricted
• Commercial flights between the countries have been halted
• New U.S. authorities allow the White House to seize assets and target cartel leadership

“He knows he has been our enemy for 25 years,” Salazar said. “Now he understands what is coming.”

Why Salazar Says America Must Act

For Americans wondering why Venezuela matters, Salazar gave three clear reasons rooted in national security and economic stability — issues that sit at the top of concerns for voters age 50+.

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1. A Major Win for American Energy Independence

Salazar argued that Venezuela’s collapsed oil sector could be revitalized by American workers and American companies. With Venezuela holding some of the world’s largest oil reserves, she said U.S. investment could stabilize the region and strengthen America’s energy security.

“American companies can repair the pipelines, rebuild the rigs, and restore Venezuela’s petroleum system,” she explained. “It would be a field day for U.S. energy — and a major benefit for American consumers.”

This message resonates strongly with older voters who remember when energy independence was a national priority — and when President Trump made it possible.

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2. Venezuela Is Becoming a Terror Hub Near Our Border

According to Salazar, Venezuela has become a “launching pad” for hostile foreign powers and terrorist groups:

• Iran
• Hezbollah
• Hamas
• Cuba
• And other anti-American networks

Salazar warned that these groups are not just destabilizing Latin America — they are getting closer to threatening the U.S. directly.

“This is about protecting Americans,” she said. “Especially our young service members.”

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3. Maduro Is Leading a Narco-Terrorist Empire

The Cartel de los Soles has been linked to drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent criminal activity. By putting Maduro directly at the head of a terrorist organization, the Trump administration has opened new legal doors to dismantle his regime.

Salazar believes the Venezuelan people — including most of the military — want Maduro gone. “Only the top generals will flee with him,” she said. “The middle and lower ranks are with the opposition. This could look very similar to Panama.”

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Tensions Rising as Trump Builds Pressure

The Trump administration has increased its military presence in the Caribbean and carried out precision strikes against suspected “narco-terrorists” moving drugs toward American shores. More than 80 traffickers have been killed since September, according to U.S. officials.

These actions are framed as protecting American families from the deadly drugs pouring into U.S. cities — a priority for conservative voters.

However, the American public remains divided. A CBS News/YouGov poll shows:

• 70% oppose direct U.S. military action in Venezuela
• 30% support it

Meanwhile, the FAA has warned pilots to use extreme caution near Venezuelan airspace due to “worsening security conditions” and “heightened military activity.”

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A Critical Moment for U.S. Foreign Policy

As tensions between the United States and Venezuela grow, Salazar’s message reflects a belief shared by many conservatives: America cannot ignore a hostile socialist regime tied to terrorism just miles off our southern coast.

With the Trump administration tightening sanctions, targeting cartel leaders, and increasing military pressure, the question now is not whether Venezuela will change — but how soon.