Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) described Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, as a “necessary evil” on Sunday, emphasizing that the designation is temporary until the South American nation can hold free and fair elections.
Salazar’s comments came in defense of President Donald Trump’s decision to meet with Rodríguez in New York City during the annual United Nations General Assembly session. The meeting has drawn scrutiny, prompting Salazar to clarify the strategic rationale behind engaging with the Venezuelan leadership.
Speaking with CBS News’s Margaret Brennan, the Florida Republican outlined her position that while Rodríguez is an unacceptable long-term figure, maintaining diplomatic channels remains critical during the current transitional period.
Hope this transition period doesn’t drag on indefinitely. The people of Venezuela deserve better soon.
What guarantees this meeting actually influences anything? Sounds like photo-op politics to me.
I’m surprised by the criticism. Sometimes you have to talk to the devil to get things done.
Does calling her a necessary evil legitimize a regime that steals elections? Seems contradictory.
Pragmatic approach. Diplomacy requires engaging with current powers, not just ideal ones.