CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham continued his calls for America to back a completeregime change in Venezuela as the Trump administration tightens its vice grip around all “sanctioned” oil tankers going into and out of the country.
While speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press” with Kristen Welker, Graham claimed Donald Trump wouldn’t be going back on a campaign promise to keep America out of wars should the government push for the overthrow of Nicolás Maduro. Graham furthered the allegations made by the Trump administration that Maduro is the kingpin of a narco drug trafficking ring, without providing evidence to support the claim.
And like a claim made nearly a week ago by Graham, he is actually pushing for the Trump administration to do more.
“Trump is trying to bring down this narco terrorist state in Venezuela run by Maduro,” Graham said. “They’re bad news. I support the idea of standing up to Maduro, and I want him to go. I am all in the camp for regime change, and I’d like to see the people of Venezuela be able to let a new leader, who would not only be good for them but also good for the region and good for the United States.”
READ MORE | “Graham defends Trump admin’s boat strike campaign, pushes for Venezuelan regime change.”
On Saturday, the United States stopped an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela for the second time. It was an operation that came days after Trump announced a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers coming in and out of the South American country.
“The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco terrorism in the region,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on social media. “We will find you, and we will stop you.”
Venezuela’s government characterized the action of the U.S. government as “criminal” and vowed not let them “go unpunished.”
Much of the conflict is tied to the boat strikes. The U.S. has sent a fleet of warships to the region. It amounts to the largest buildup of forces in generations, and Trump has stated repeatedly that land attacks are coming soon, according to reporting from The Associated Press.
Maduro has insisted the real purpose of the U.S. military operations is to force him from power. Graham, for his part, agrees.
“Stay tuned,” Graham said. “Maduro’s days are numbered.”
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