Dear Laura, @LauraLoomer I’ve followed you for years and we have crossed paths at some of President Trump’s campaign events, which you have no reason to remember. But I’m reaching out to you now because I cannot let your comment about the situation in Venezuela go unanswered — a country kidnapped by transnational organized crime, led by the heads of a terrorist drug cartel (not my words, but those of the Trump administration), whose top leader has a U.S. government bounty of 50 million dollars. . I understand your concern about China’s influence in the region, and I share it. But let me clarify that, right now for example, the government of Argentina has more commercial exchange with China than with the U.S., despite Scott Besen’s incredible support for President Milei. It’s not easy to understand. I know. . The case of Venezuela is a priority for U.S. national security. Among other things, Venezuela is a refuge for Colombian narco-guerrillas, the Russian mafia, the Chinese mafia, human trafficking networks, and — something I know is of great interest to you — it has been, for years, a sanctuary for Middle Eastern terrorists such as Hezbollah and Hamas, in addition to being a friend and partner of the murderous regime of the Ayatollahs in Iran. . Furthermore, the Venezuelan regime is directly responsible for the entry of tons of drugs into the U.S., contributing to the insane statistic of one death every seven minutes due to drug overdoses. Maduro’s own nephews were sentenced in New York City for sending tons of cocaine to the U.S.… and later released by Biden. . I could write you many details and stories about how the Venezuelan regime has torpedoed democratic progress in the region and the stability of the United States, but I’ll only mention the exportation of thousands of criminals that Maduro sent to the U.S. (disguised as immigrants seeking the American Dream), whom we see every day in the crime pages of the media. . On another note, I suggest you do not underestimate @MariaCorinaYA She is not a fool for whom the transition would be too big. Machado’s national and international leadership is unquestionable, and she is fully prepared to lead the change that is coming to Venezuela. . But also, Laura, do not underestimate Venezuelans. Do not think Venezuelans are only those you see crying on TV because they lost TPS or wandering like zombies across the world’s borders seeking asylum. That is part of the immense suffering of Venezuelans who have had to flee the country, but it does not define them. . Contrary to what you think, once — thanks to the Trump Administration — the narco-regime falls, the vast majority will return to #Venezuela to take part in the country’s reconstruction. . Venezuelans around the world are counting the minutes to return, and believe me, taxpayers will not have to foot the bill. . Venezuela has more than enough resources to pay for its freedom — but it cannot free itself from this kidnapping alone. That is why U.S. action is indispensable. . Best regards. . Cc @SecRubio @realDonaldTrump @PeteHegseth @StateDept @marcorubio