Best of the Spectator Americano: is Trump dismantling Venezuela's socialist state?
Feb 16, 2026
Daniel DiMartino, a Manhattan Institute fellow and Venezuelan political economy and energy expert. He discusses the January 3 raid and why early signs feel promising. He covers prisoner releases, reduced censorship and quiet economic shifts. He debates Delcy Rodríguez’s motives and the timing of a sustainable transition. He explains short- and long-term prospects for Venezuela’s oil and regional effects.
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Slow Liberalization After The Raid
- Political prisoners have largely been released and private media stopped self-censoring since the January 3rd raid.
- The regime is quietly liberalizing the economy, dismantling Chavez-era social programs without fanfare.
Transition Needs To Be Sustainable
- Daniel warns Delcy Rodríguez and others are self-interested and may delay genuine reform to outlast the Trump administration.
- He argues a paced, sustainable transition is preferable to a rapid one that could be reversed later.
Collaboration Driven By Incentives
- Delcy likely collaborated with the operation because she and Jorge were not indicted and faced fewer consequences.
- Financial incentives and survival choices motivate regime figures more than ideological conversion.