Trump Urges Peaceful Transition In Venezuela

MIAMI, FL -- Saying the "days of socialism and communism are numbered not only in Venezuela but in Nicaragua and Cuba," President Trump on Monday urged Venezuelan officials and members of the country's military to disregard President Maduro's order to block humanitarian aid from entering his crisis-ravaged country.

"You must not follow Maduro’s orders to block humanitarian aid, and you must not threaten any form of violence against peaceful protesters, opposition leaders, members of the National Assembly or President Guaido and his family," Trump said in a speech on the campus of Florida International University.

"We seek a peaceful transition of power, but all options are open," President Trump declared. His speech was interrupted at times by chants of "USA" from the audience that included Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state's two Republican Senators, Rick Scott and Marco Rubio.

The president said hundreds of tons of humanitarian supplies have been stopped at the Venezuelan border while 90 percent of Venezuelans live in poverty and hyperinflation exceeded 1 million percent in 2018.

“Unfortunately, dictator Maduro has blocked this life-saving aid from entering the country," Trump said. "He would rather see his people starve than give them aid, than help them. Millions of Venezuelans are starving and suffering while a small handful at the top of the Maduro regime plunder the nation into poverty, and into death."

Guaido, who heads Venezuela’s opposition-controlled congress, declared himself interim president Jan. 23 with the backing of the United States and most South American and European nations, which argue that Maduro’s re-election last May was fraudulent.

Guaido has announced that humanitarian aid will enter Venezuela on Saturday, the day after billionaire Richard Branson plans to stage a benefit concert at a Colombian border city to raise money for Venezuelan relief.

Maduro countered by announcing his own concert next weekend on Venezuela’s side of the border as his people continue to suffer the effects of crippling shortages of food and medicine.

"They are turning the page on socialism, turning the page on dictatorship and there will be no going back," said Trump of the future for Venezuela. "Peace-loving nations are ready to help Venezuela reclaim its democracy, its dignity and its destiny."

Trump said that members of the Venezuelan military are still supporting the Maduro regime.

"They are risking their future. They are risking their lives and Venezuela’s future for a man controlled by the Cuban military and protected by a private army of Cuban soldiers," Trump asserted. "Maduro is not a Venezuelan patriot. He is a Cuban puppet."

The U.S. president said there will be no safe harbor for members of the Venezuelan military and its leadership who continue to support Maduro.

"So, today, I ask every member of the Maduro regime: End this nightmare of poverty, hunger and death for your people. Let your people go. Set your country free," Trump said. "Now is the time for all Venezuelan patriots to act together as one united people. Nothing could be better for the future of Venezuela and nothing could be better for the future of another captive nation: Cuba than the rebirth of freedom and democracy in Venezuela.

Watch President Trump deliver his speech at FIU (video begins at 43:08):

Earlier on Monday First Lady Melania Trump made a stop a Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami to unveil a new Morton and Linda Bouchard Healing Garden.

The healing garden will offer a place of comfort and reprieve for patients and their families. The first lady also unveiled the new name of the Esrick Dream Foundation Cardiac Intensive Care Floor which is also part of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Image and video courtesy The White House