Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has urged Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to address recent threats made by Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. In a letter sent from Washington, D.C., Scott emphasized the need for Brazil to respond to Maduro's call for the Brazilian military to invade Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory.

Maduro's comments came during his inauguration on January 11, 2025, which Senator Scott described as illegitimate. He accused Maduro of inciting war against the United States and oppressing Venezuelan citizens while further impoverishing the nation.

Scott stated that "the global community already knows Maduro stole this election from the Venezuelan people and President-elect Edmundo Gonzalez," highlighting the urgency for a response from Brazil. He characterized Maduro's statements as "incendiary, dangerous and unacceptable."

The senator called on Brazil to clarify its stance at international forums such as the Organization of American States or the United Nations. He warned against dismissing Maduro’s words as mere rhetoric due to their serious implications.

"It is important for everyone to go on the record regarding the dangers that Maduro represents," Scott wrote, urging world leaders who value freedom to oppose these threats.