US Pressured Venezuela to Cut China, Russia Ties, White House Suggests

The White House has strongly implied the United States is pressuring Venezuela to reduce its ties with China, Russia, and Iran. Officials emphasized a goal of maintaining "American dominance" in the region. During a Wednesday briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt did not deny recent reports of such pressure. She cited frequent leaks from classified meetings. "I will not confirm or deny or get into the specifics," Leavitt stated. However, she clearly outlined the U.S. position. Leavitt said all decisions by Venezuela's government in Caracas would ultimately be "dictated" by Washington. The statement highlights the intense geopolitical competition in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. is actively working to limit the influence of its major global rivals in Latin America.