Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said “Cuban thugs” are helping Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro remain in power.
Scott’s comments came during an interview with CBS News Washington correspondent Major Garrett on “The Takeout” podcast. Highlights from his interview were posted on the CBS News website.
Scott noted Cuba had sent military troops to Venezuela to defend Maduro. Opposition leader Juan Guaido has been recognized by the U.S.
"Cuba is the only reason Venezuela is where it is," Scott said. "If it wasn't for the Cuban thugs that are there taking care of Maduro, Maduro would already be gone.”
He maintained weakening Cuba’s government and making sure Maduro leaves office would help both Venezuela and Cuba turn toward Democracy.
Meanwhile, commenting on the possibility of another government shutdown, Scott said he believed Congress and President Donald Trump will reach an agreement to keep the government open.
"I'd be really disappointed if we didn't have a deal," Scott said.
Scott had said over the weekend that there’s “so much hatred” on Capitol Hill that it was getting in the way of reaching a compromise on border wall funding that would avoid another partial shutdown.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.