President elected Donald Trump and senator Marco Rubio during the campaign. (Photo AFP)
President elected Donald Trump and senator Marco Rubio during the campaign. (Photo AFP)

Trump Administration: China, Cuba, Venezuela and what else was said in the Senate

The confirmation hearings for officials in the new Trump era have begun. What did they discuss?

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In Washington, the hearings to confirm Donald Trump's proposed cabinet have garnered national and international attention, especially from Latin American communities in the United States. The positions articulated by figures such as Marco Rubio, the nominee for Secretary of State, and Chris Wright, the nominee for Secretary of Energy, reflect the political and diplomatic agenda that could shape the Trump administration in the coming years.

During his hearing, Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants and a senator from Florida, emphasized his strong stance against the regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. He described Cuba as experiencing a "literal collapse" both economically and generationally, attributing this crisis to the failures of Marxism, as well as the corruption and incompetence of its regime. Rubio criticized Joe Biden's recent efforts to ease sanctions against Cuba, arguing that these measures strengthen Cuba's armed forces rather than empower its citizens.

Rubio defended the necessity of maintaining pressure on Havana, stating that Trump's "Complete Value Package" of foreign policy aims to reverse these decisions. He reaffirmed his commitment to democracy in Latin America by condemning the government of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, calling it a "drug trafficking organization" disguised as a state. Such statements indicate the new government’s stance towards the region and certain non-democratic governments.

Rubio also focused on China, which he considers the "most dangerous adversary" of the United States. He argued that the Chinese Communist Party has manipulated the rules of the global order to its advantage, posing a threat to U.S. security and prosperity. As part of his strategy, Rubio proposed a foreign policy that prioritizes U.S. national interests over global considerations.

Chris Wright, the nominee for Secretary of Energy, faced questions regarding his vision for balancing the transition to renewable energy with the ongoing reliance on hydrocarbons. Although he had previously downplayed the climate crisis, Wright surprised attendees at the hearing by acknowledging climate change as "a challenge" that necessitates energy innovation.

Wright proposed a comprehensive approach that promotes the expansion of solar, geothermal, and nuclear energy, in addition to responsible hydrocarbon development. This moderate stance contrasts sharply with Trump's staunch opposition to wind energy projects, which the president-elect has described as an "economic and environmental disaster."

Wright also emphasized the importance of building infrastructure for exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), demonstrating a pragmatic focus on strengthening the United States' energy leadership. However, he defended the development of hydrocarbons as essential to national energy security, aligning with the "America First" policy characteristic of Trump.

In addition, Wright acknowledged the diplomatic and strategic challenges ahead.

The hearings have highlighted the diplomatic challenges that the new administration will encounter. Rubio emphasized the need for "bold diplomacy" to address the war in Ukraine. He proposed an approach that combines strategic sanctions with negotiations to bring an end to the Russian invasion.

Regarding border security, Rubio stressed the importance of collaborating with Mexico to combat fentanyl and drug trafficking. He described the cartels as a terrorist threat that requires strong measures.

Rubio's nomination has elicited mixed reactions among Latinos in the United States. Some view him as a leader who understands the complexities of Latin America, while others criticize his rigid stance on immigration and human rights. His nomination as the first Hispanic to lead U.S. diplomacy is a historic milestone, but it also comes with significant responsibility in representing a diverse community.

In contrast, Wright faces less scrutiny within the Latino community, although his energy policies could significantly impact countries such as Mexico and Venezuela, where hydrocarbons are a key part of the economy.

Whit information from AFP

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