Rep. Salazar Condemns Slams Violent Threats Against New U.S. Envoy in Venezuela: ‘This Is Terrorism’
Rep. María Elvira Salazar condemned what she described as violent threats against Laura Dogu, the newly arrived U.S. envoy to Venezuela, calling them “terrorism” and warning of consequences if any harm comes to American diplomats.
Salazar’s remarks followed a post by Venezuelan journalist Emmanuel Rincón, who alleged that members of the Chavista movement were threatening U.S. envoy Laura Dogu with violence. Rincón cited a message from user LuisitoPSUV4F that included a picture of an unidentified man carrying a machine gun along with a caption says: “Let Laura Dogu be reminded that the Chavista movement has a monopoly on weapons.”
The since-deleted post was shared by several users on X:
Salazar wrote that “threatening a U.S. diplomat with weapons is not ‘rhetoric.’ It is terrorism, plain and simple,” adding that such actions reflect “the true face of the Chavista regime.” Salazar said the United States has “zero tolerance for threats against our envoys” and would “respond decisively” if any U.S. diplomat were harmed.
Threatening a U.S. diplomat with weapons is not “rhetoric.” It is terrorism, plain and simple.
This is the true face of the chavista regime: a criminal structure that survives through intimidation, violence, and fear.
Let there be no doubt: if anything happens to any U.S.… https://t.co/eozi6VYkj8
— María Elvira Salazar 🇺🇸 (@MaElviraSalazar) February 4, 2026
The reported threats surfaced shortly after Dogu met with Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, and National Assembly leader Jorge Rodríguez at the Miraflores Palace. Dogu said on social media that she used the meeting to reiterate what she described as three phases outlined by Secretary Rubio for U.S. policy toward Venezuela: stabilization, economic recovery and reconciliation, and a political transition:
The United States and Venezuela broke diplomatic relations in 2019 after Washington recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president. Dogu arrived in Caracas days after the U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, an event that has reshaped the political landscape in the country.
In public statements, Venezuelan officials have framed the renewed diplomatic contacts as part of a working agenda between both nations, while U.S. officials have emphasized the importance of dialogue grounded in respect for international law.
Originally published on Latin Times
