Trump Claims He’ll Flee to Venezuela if He Loses the Election

Former President Donald Trump has raised eyebrows with his latest comments regarding the upcoming election, suggesting that he might flee to Venezuela if he doesn’t secure a victory in November.

This remark surfaced during a recent interview with Elon Musk on X, where Trump expressed his concerns about the consequences of the election. “If something happens with this election, which would be a horror show, we’ll meet the next time in Venezuela,” he stated.

Trump elaborated on his reasoning, claiming that Venezuela, known for its harsh dictatorship, would provide a safer haven than the United States should Vice President Kamala Harris win the presidency in 2024. “We’ll have a meeting and dinner in Venezuela,” he quipped, asserting that the South American nation’s crime rate is decreasing, while he believes crime in the US is escalating.

While discussing the situation in Venezuela, Trump pointed out that the country has experienced significant political unrest, with reports indicating that more than 1,200 people—including journalists and opposition figures—have been arrested amid crackdowns on dissent.

Trump also took the opportunity to address immigration, alleging that criminals from Venezuela are illegally entering the United States. “Their crime rate is coming down and our crime rate is going through the roof. And it’s so simple,” he remarked, implying that the influx of newcomers has contributed to rising crime rates in the US.

As he continued his discourse, Trump claimed that Venezuela had purged roughly 70 percent of its “really bad people,” insinuating that these individuals have migrated to the US. “Their jails are about 50 percent, put into the United States. Same with other countries, over 30 percent. Some are at 50 percent. They’re all different,” he said, without providing any substantiated evidence to back up his assertions.

The former president’s claims have been met with skepticism, particularly from experts on crime in Venezuela. Roberto Briceño-León, founder and director of the Venezuelan Observatory of Violence, has stated that there is no proof to support Trump’s allegations regarding the Venezuelan government sending criminals abroad.

Briceño-León remarked, “We have no evidence that the Venezuelan government is emptying the prisons or mental hospitals to send them out of the country, whether to the USA or any other country.” He clarified that while there has been a noted decline in crime rates in Venezuela, this is not a result of releasing prisoners. Instead, he pointed to the exodus of around 8 million people from the country since 2014, driven by deteriorating economic conditions and a lack of basic necessities.

Trump’s rhetoric echoes long-held fears about immigration and crime, themes he has often highlighted during his political career. However, it appears that his latest comments, particularly about Venezuela, may lack factual grounding.

As the election approaches, rhetoric surrounding immigration and crime is likely to intensify, with politicians using these topics to rally their bases and sway public opinion. Trump’s comments may be a strategic move to position himself against perceived threats from the current administration, even as the accuracy of his statements is called into question.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these assertions will influence voter sentiment. The forthcoming months will undoubtedly see heightened scrutiny on candidates and their narratives regarding crime and immigration.

In a climate of misinformation, it is essential for voters to critically evaluate the claims being made and seek out accurate information from credible sources. As the election nears, ensuring a well-informed public will play a crucial role in shaping the future of governance in the United States.