Shashi Tharoor Critiques U.S. Influence in Venezuela's Political Landscape

In a recent statement, Congress member Shashi Tharoor criticized the U.S. for its role in Venezuela, asserting that the removal of the government head did not equate to a genuine change in power. He highlighted that the existing governance structure remains intact, with all key players still in control. Tharoor pointed out that the motives behind this upheaval are rooted in oil interests rather than a push for democracy. He also commented on Maria Corina Machado's gesture of giving her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, suggesting a lack of genuine support for her actions. This situation in Venezuela raises questions about the true nature of U.S. involvement.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 17, 2026, 16:13 IST

Tharoor's Perspective on Venezuela's Political Situation

Congress member Shashi Tharoor expressed that the United States has not facilitated a change in power in Venezuela but has merely uprooted the existing authority. Speaking to reporters, Tharoor pointed out that despite the interim president taking office, there has been no significant shift in governance, which continues as before. He noted the peculiar situation in Venezuela, where the head of government has been removed, yet the power dynamics remain unchanged. All ministers, the national assembly, the government, the interim president (who is a former vice president), and security forces are still under control. Thus, it is more of a chaotic upheaval rather than a true transition of power.

Trump's Nobel Prize Controversy

Tharoor further remarked that the change in power was not aimed at promoting democracy, but rather, as Trump has openly stated, it was motivated by oil interests. He emphasized that the same old government persists. In this context, it appears that the discussions surrounding government change lack any democratic principles or the usual rhetoric we expect from Washington during such transitions. Instead, they have explicitly stated that the motive is oil. The only area where Americans have established control is in Venezuela's oil sector, involving American oil companies, among others. The outcomes of this situation remain to be seen.

Machado's Nobel Gesture

Tharoor also mentioned that although activist Maria Corina Machado has presented her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, he shows little interest in it. He noted that Machado, a Nobel laureate and democracy advocate from Venezuela, visited the White House and handed over her peace medal to Trump as a tribute, but there seems to be an indirect transaction involved. He urged for assistance in this matter, indicating that Machado's statements suggest she does not fully support this action. Tharoor described the events in Venezuela as unprecedented.