How Venezuela Went From U.S. Ally to Trump Target
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- In May 1958, Vice President Richard Nixon faced a violent mob in Caracas, Venezuela, angry over the U.S. granting asylum to a deposed Venezuelan dictator, leading to a dangerous ambush on his motorcade.
- Despite the attack involving fists, rocks, pipes, and spit, Nixon and his convoy escaped unharmed, though the U.S. Navy prepared an aircraft carrier task force as a precautionary rescue measure.
- Venezuelan officials, alarmed by the violence, deployed troops to secure Nixon's departure route, allowing him to leave the country safely the following day.
- Nixon blamed the incident on communist agitators and government weakness, viewing it as a wake-up call that strengthened U.S. focus on Venezuela
