Bolton Warns Against Business Dealings Connected to “Maduro Mafia”

As the Trump administration continues to maintain its hard line against the Maduro regime in Venezuela, National Security Advisor John Bolton warned on Wednesday against entities engaging in business dealings connected to the “Maduro mafia”:

My advice to bankers, brokers, traders, facilitators, and other businesses: don’t deal in gold, oil, or other Venezuelan commodities being stolen from the Venezuelan people by the Maduro mafia. We stand ready to continue to take action.

— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 30, 2019

“I would take this advice very seriously,” Florida Senator Marco Rubio tweeted in response to Bolton’s statement.

Bolton’s warning comes after the Treasury Department recently sanctioned a state-owned Venezuelan oil company:

The United States will not let Maduro and his cronies continue to loot the assets of the Venezuelan people. https://t.co/V1o7Bdr2cL

— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 28, 2019

On Wednesday morning President Trump wrote that Americans should not visit the Latin American nation “until further notice.”

Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following U.S. sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2019