Trump's Power Consolidation Draws Parallel to Venezuela's Downward Spiral Under Chávez's Rule
Consolidation of power in Venezuela and US President Donald Trump's actions have drawn comparisons to countries where democracy has faded, prompting concerns about the erosion of free press and political freedoms. Both leaders' moves towards punishing perceived enemies are seen as alarming signs of authoritarian tendencies.
Moves to consolidate power and punish enemies in Venezuela under Hugo Chávez drew comparisons to places where democracy faded, following similar actions taken by US President Donald Trump eight years later, who revoked the license of Venezuela's oldest private television station during his second term. The Venezuelan government has long been criticized for its clampdown on opposition media outlets. Trump's actions have sparked concerns about the erosion of press freedoms in the United States. Both leaders' moves are seen as part of a broader effort to suppress dissenting voices and consolidate power.
