Sen. Ted Cruz (R‑TX) used his Sunday appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press to press the Trump administration for swift, free and fair elections in Venezuela. Cruz said the vote should occur “midway through next year,” emphasizing that democratic choice is essential even as the United States moves forward with a major oil agreement.
Election timeline and legitimacy concerns
“There need to be democratic, free elections in Venezuela,” Cruz told host Kristen Welker. He added that the current acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, assumed power after U.S. forces seized former president Nicolás Maduro in January and brought him to the United States on drug‑trafficking charges. Cruz described Maduro as “illegitimate” and a “Marxist” who seized power contrary to the will of Venezuelan voters.
According to Cruz, the Trump administration is already “working rapidly” to facilitate an election schedule that would allow Venezuelans to decide their own future no later than mid‑2025. He framed the push for elections as a moral imperative that aligns with America’s commitment to liberty and self‑government.
Oil deal seen as economic boon
The senator also praised the recently announced deal that gives the United States control of roughly 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves. “The oil deal as announced sounds like it could have a very positive impact on the United States economy, on American jobs, and a very positive impact on gas prices over the long term,” Cruz said.
While acknowledging the importance of the oil agreement, Cruz stressed that the timing of the elections should not be sacrificed for the deal. “I don’t think the timing matters as much as the one versus the other. I think the oil deal will move as rapidly forward as it can, but free and fair elections need to proceed, and they need to proceed rapidly,” he explained.
Iran policy and regime change
In the same interview, Cruz turned to U.S. policy toward Iran, urging the Trump administration to arm Iranian protesters as a means to achieve “regime collapse.” He clarified that he does not advocate for American boots on the ground, but rather wants the Iranian people themselves equipped to remove the Ayatollah’s government.
His remarks followed President Donald Trump’s recent Truth Social post declaring “mission accomplished” in Iran after a campaign that degraded the nation’s military capacity. Cruz said the initial mission was complete and that the next objective should be the removal of the Iranian regime.
Presidential ambitions
When asked about a possible 2028 presidential run, Cruz said he would decide after the November midterm elections, noting that “the Book of Ecclesiastes tells us there’s a time for every season.” He emphasized his current focus on traveling the country to support Republican candidates.
President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, praised Cruz’s potential candidacy, calling him “very talented” and a “good friend.” The two men, once bitter primary rivals a decade ago, have since forged a close alliance within the party.
Implications for Texas and the nation
Cruz’s statements reflect a broader Republican strategy that couples strong foreign‑policy actions—such as securing foreign oil and confronting hostile regimes—with a commitment to democratic principles abroad. For Texas voters, the emphasis on energy security and job creation resonates with the state’s oil‑focused economy, while the call for free elections aligns with the party’s advocacy for liberty and constitutional governance worldwide.
As the Trump administration moves forward with the Venezuelan oil acquisition and considers policy options for Iran, Cruz’s push for rapid elections in Caracas adds a democratic dimension to the foreign‑policy agenda, underscoring the administration’s dual focus on national security and the promotion of freedom.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
