Following threats from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to use Brazilian troops for an invasion and “liberation” of Puerto Rico, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) reached out to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a letter dated January 15, urging a prompt reply.
Read the letter
“On Saturday, January 11, 2025, while marking his unlawful inauguration, Dictator Nicolás Maduro invited the Brazilian military to invade U.S. soil. By advocating for the “liberation” of Puerto Rico, Maduro openly provoked conflict against the United States with the backing of Brazil,” Scott stated. “Such provocations demand a response.”
During remarks at the Antifascist Festival, Maduro explicitly indicated his intention to use Brazilian forces to invade the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.
“I urge the Brazilian government to provide a formal and definitive response, clarifying its stance on these alarming threats to the nations within the hemisphere,” Scott added. “It is my hope that the Brazilian government recognizes that dismissing Maduro’s statements as mere political posturing is misguided; such remarks are far too serious and perilous to be overlooked. Additionally, Maduro’s reckless rhetoric tarnishes the reputation of Brazil, as it implies he considers the Brazilian state complicit in potential military aggression.”
Responses
As of this moment, President Lula has yet to address Senator Scott’s letter. His administration dispatched a representative to Maduro’s inauguration, and the two leaders are broadly seen as collaborators.
Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico remarked on X, “Thank you @SenRickScott. Maduro’s call for Brazilian troops to invade Puerto Rico represents a clear threat of military aggression towards the U.S., as well as a violation of peace and stability in our region. President Lula of Brazil must denounce the Maduro narco-regime and speak out against this.”
Representative Maria Salazar (R-FL) echoed similar sentiments on X, stating, “As @SenRickScott has said, @LulaOficial needs to condemn dictator Nicolás Maduro’s plans to invade Puerto Rico. Only Puerto Ricans should have the authority to shape their future, not drug lords.”
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