U.S. recognizes opposition candidate González as winner of Venezuela’s presidential election
NBCJUL 31 2024
US Seizes Nicolás Maduro's Plane in the Dominican Republic
Above: Incumbent President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro looks forward during the 'Gran Marcha Mundial por la Paz' in his support on August 17, 2024 in Caracas, Venezuela. Image copyright: Alfredo Lasry R/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This move is part of a maximum pressure campaign on the authoritarian Maduro regime at home and abroad that could soon prompt further sanctions so Maduro feels consequences for rigging the election. Moreover, it delivers a clear message that no one is above the law to illegally acquire an aircraft and smuggle it out of the US.
Establishment-critical narrative
It's hypocritical to claim that this so-called seizure has something to do with the presidential elections in Venezuela, given that the US also stole a Venezuela-owned Boeing 747-300M cargo plane in cooperation with Argentina in February. Additionally, Venezuelan bank accounts and assets worth $2B have been seized in recent years.