Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House this Monday. This meeting takes place amid rising political tensions, as Nicolás Maduro is set to be sworn in again as Venezuela’s president on January 10.
Details of the White House Meeting
Official White House Statement
Following the meeting, the White House issued an official statement outlining the key topics discussed between the two leaders.
- Support for democracy: Biden reaffirmed his commitment to the democratic process in Venezuela and praised the bravery of the millions of citizens who participated in the July 28, 2024 elections.
- Concerns over repression: Both leaders expressed concern over Maduro’s crackdown on peaceful protesters and pro-democracy activists.
- Upcoming protests: Biden stated that he will closely monitor the January 9 protests in Venezuela, emphasizing that citizens should be able to express themselves freely without fear of retaliation.
Edmundo González’s Remarks
After the meeting, González stated that he had a “long, fruitful, and cordial conversation” with Biden and his team.
- Commitment to transition: González confirmed that Biden reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful and orderly political transition in Venezuela.
- Contacts with the incoming administration: González also mentioned that he has been in contact with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and his National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
- Message on social media: On X (formerly Twitter), González posted: “For 45 minutes, we discussed how expanding democracy in Venezuela will positively impact the entire region.”
Recognition as Venezuela’s President-Elect
International Support
Edmundo González was the opposition’s candidate in the July 2024 presidential elections. Although Venezuela’s National Electoral Council—controlled by Maduro—declared Maduro as the winner without releasing detailed voting data, multiple Western nations, including the United States, the European Union, Brazil, and Colombia, recognized González as the legitimate president-elect.
- Election transparency: The opposition published over 80% of the voting records, showing a clear victory for González.
- Exile and international activism: González left Venezuela in September 2024 amid a wave of arrests targeting opposition figures. Since then, he has intensified his international advocacy.
Meetings with Latin American Leaders
Prior to his White House visit, González met with Argentine President Javier Milei and Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou.
- Buenos Aires rally: While in Argentina, González greeted a massive crowd from the Casa Rosada balcony, sparking high expectations among Argentine citizens.
- Meeting in Montevideo: In Uruguay, González and Lacalle Pou discussed the future of democracy in Venezuela and across the region.
Expectations for January 10
González’s Intentions
In Buenos Aires, González announced his intention to return to Venezuela on January 10 to assume the mandate he claims was given to him by 7 million voters.
- Security concerns: González’s statements have heightened tensions in Caracas, where Maduro’s government has increased security measures in anticipation of possible unrest during his swearing-in ceremony.
U.S. Policy Toward Venezuela
The United States has been a key ally of the Venezuelan opposition in recent years. However, it remains unclear what stance Trump’s incoming administration will take after January 20.
- Trump’s first-term approach: During his first presidency, Trump imposed strict sanctions on Maduro’s regime and recognized Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s interim president.
- Current uncertainty: González emphasized that he will continue engaging with the new administration to ensure continued international support for Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement.
Final Thoughts
The meeting between Joe Biden and Edmundo González underscores U.S. support for Venezuela’s opposition at a critical moment. With Trump’s presidency set to begin on January 20 and Maduro’s inauguration looming on January 10, Venezuela’s political landscape remains highly uncertain.
