Washington, D.C. | October 29, 2025 —
U.S. Senator Rick Scott has issued a strong warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, urging him to leave the country immediately and seek refuge in Russia or China, claiming that “his time is running out.”
In an interview with CBS, Senator Scott said, “If I was Maduro, I’d head to Russia or China right now. His days are numbered.” The Florida lawmaker, known for his tough stance against authoritarian regimes in Latin America, suggested that mounting internal and international pressure could soon bring an end to Maduro’s rule.
Scott did not confirm whether the United States was planning any direct military action against Venezuela, but he hinted that “something’s going to happen,” adding that the situation in Caracas is becoming increasingly unstable. When asked about the possibility of U.S. intervention, he responded, “I don’t think we’ll invade, but international forces could step in if necessary.”
The comments come amid renewed tensions between Washington and Caracas. The U.S. recently expanded naval operations in the Caribbean, officially as part of an anti-narcotics mission, but Venezuelan officials have accused Washington of preparing for a possible “regime-change” operation.
President Maduro dismissed U.S. statements earlier this week, claiming Washington was “fabricating a war” against Venezuela. In a televised address, he said, “They have failed for years to overthrow our revolution — and they will fail again.”
The U.S. government and several Western allies have long refused to recognize Maduro’s presidency, alleging electoral fraud and corruption. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s opposition and human rights groups accuse his administration of widespread repression and economic mismanagement, which has led to one of the largest migration crises in modern Latin American history.
Analysts warn that Senator Scott’s comments, though not an official policy statement, reflect growing frustration in Washington over the stalemate in Venezuela. Any escalation, they say, could have significant regional consequences, especially given Venezuela’s close ties with Russia, China, and Iran.
