Americano Is Trump dismantling Venezuela's socialist state?
Feb 17, 2026
Daniel Di Martino, a Manhattan Institute fellow and Venezuelan politics expert, unpacks the January 3rd raid and its fallout. He discusses released prisoners, shifts in media freedom, and early economic moves. He weighs rapid liberation versus justice, examines oil revenues and U.S. controls, and considers regional effects in Colombia, Brazil and Cuba.
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Slow Unraveling Of Venezuela's Socialist System
- Post-raid Venezuela shows gradual liberalization in politics and the economy rather than instant freedom.
- Private media, protests, and steps to open banking and hydrocarbons indicate slow dismantling of socialist controls.
Rapid Release And Public Reaction
- Daniel Di Martino recounts that most political prisoners were released within six weeks, including a personal friend.
- He notes private TV stopped self-censoring and students began organizing visible demonstrations.
Pragmatic Trade-Offs To Speed Transition
- Daniel Di Martino frames pragmatic trade-offs between justice and rapid liberty when negotiating with former regime figures.
- He argues temporary leniency can speed a sustainable transition to prosperity and freedom.