Senate Republicans yesterday voted down a bill that sought to limit US President Donald Trump’s authority to launch a military strike against Venezuela, even as Democrats pushed for Congress to take a stronger role in overseeing Trump’s campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The decision came amid growing optimism among analysts that the US would avoid military action and instead pursue diplomatic dialogue.
The vote followed Trump’s remarks on CBS’s 60 Minutes, where he said he did not wish to go to war but warned that Maduro’s “days are numbered.”
In recent weeks, the US has deployed naval vessels to the southern Caribbean as part of its anti-narcotics operations, which Trump claims target networks affecting the United States. Since September 2, there have been 16 reported strikes on drug-smuggling vessels, leaving 67 people dead.
Despite the Senate’s decision, regional observers remain hopeful about improving relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, provided the US refrains from taking military action. They suggest that this moment could present an opportunity for T&T to resume discussions with Venezuela on the Dragon gas project.
Dr. Anthony Gonzales, former head of the UWI Institute of International Relations, shared this view, noting that a recent shipment of Russian arms to Venezuela might be prompting the US to proceed with caution.
“The cost of an invasion has become increasingly prohibitive,” Gonzales explained. “Venezuela’s use of advanced Russian missiles capable of targeting US warships and aircraft is forcing the Trump administration to weigh the benefits of negotiation.”
He added that any US move toward dialogue would be an ideal opening for T&T to rebuild diplomatic ties and return to the bargaining table.
“If Washington opts for negotiations, T&T should position itself strategically,” Gonzales said. “With the US likely gaining greater access to Venezuelan oil, Port of Spain could seek OFAC licences to exploit the Dragon field and other cross-border gas reserves, while working to restore neighbourly relations.”
Former foreign affairs minister Winston Dookeran echoed this sentiment, saying peaceful diplomacy could open new possibilities for T&T.
“If the situation shifts toward a non-military phase, diplomacy and negotiation become crucial,” Dookeran told Guardian Media. “Major geopolitical players like Russia, China, and Iran may also prefer a diplomatic solution. Back-channel discussions may already be taking place, which could benefit T&T.”
Meanwhile, Venezuelan activist Yesenia Gonzalez said she remains confident that the Maduro regime’s fall is inevitable, dismissing speculative media reports.
“It’s only a matter of time before Maduro and his regime come to an end,” Gonzalez said. “It could happen at any moment. I stand with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.”
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