Ted Cruz Urges Venezuela Elections by Mid-2027 as US Moves on 65 Billion-Barrel Oil Deal
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Aug 30
Ted Cruz Urges Venezuela Elections by Mid-2027 as US Moves on 65 Billion-Barrel Oil Deal
2 articles · Updated · NBC News · Aug 30
Summary
Mid-2027 is Cruz’s deadline for Venezuela to hold free and fair elections, which he said the Trump administration is already pushing after Nicolás Maduro’s January capture.
Cruz argued Maduro had ruled illegitimately and said acting president Delcy Rodríguez, his former vice president, should not delay a rapid vote even as Washington advances its new oil arrangement.
The Texas senator praised Friday’s deal giving the U.S. control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan reserves, saying it could boost jobs and lower gas prices over time.
On Iran, Cruz said the initial U.S. mission to degrade military capacity was complete but urged Trump to arm protesters to pursue regime collapse without American boots on the ground.
Cruz also said he will decide on a possible 2028 presidential run after November’s midterm elections, days after Trump called him a talented friend.