The Venezuelan election between incumbent Nicolas Maduro and Edmundo Gonzalez were predictably rejected by both candidates as they both declared victory. Demonstrations, protests, and riots shortly followed what everyone called a fascist regime takeover. Americans took notice and went to social media to share their perspectives, often of disapproval and fear of a similar future for the U.S.

Venezuela on Home Shores?

Online, there are rampant accusations of election fraud, the legitimacy of the electoral process, and comparisons with electoral practices in other countries, particularly the United States. Public sentiment towards Venezuelan election integrity predominantly shows skepticism, mistrust, and frustration.

Key keywords that dominate these discussions are "election fraud," "dictatorship," "socialism," "Maduro," "fraudulent election," and "Venezuelan lions." The unrest and resistance from various opposition movements also spread through images and videos.

American discussions often draw parallels between Venezuela's situation and alleged electoral injustices in the United States. People often mention "Georgia election fraud," "Dominion machines," and "Kamala Harris."

The emergence of Venezuelan criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua (TdA) in the U.S. has heightened anxieties. Posts reveal this group's operations, including drug trafficking and violence, are aggressively exploiting the open border situation. This raises alarm about the broader implications of immigration policies on public safety.

This is reportedly an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado that’s been taken over by a Venezualan gang.

Violent crime has reportedly escalated in Aurora, CO by Venezualans following the stolen election. pic.twitter.com/81ggg7quLd

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 31, 2024

Americans Denounce Maduro

Public sentiment shows massive distrust toward the Venezuelan government. People say, "dictator Maduro has committed a fraud" and consistently reject the election results. Claims that "socialism is always a murderous phenomenon" suggest a broader ideological opposition to the current regime's policies.

There is strong sympathy for the Venezuelan opposition, as supporters encourage Venezuelans with the line, "you are going to get ahead." The rhetoric around free and transparent elections and self-determination emphasizes a call for a democratic process as opposed to the status quo.

Sentiments also reflect dissatisfaction with international responses, particularly criticism towards the Biden-Harris administration for lifting sanctions on Venezuela. There are also calls for renewed sanctions and broader international intervention to support democratic principles.

Many also warn American voters that, if the country is not careful, similar situations could play out at home. Critics of the current U.S. border crisis also point out the severe negative consequences of allowing unchecked illegal immigration.

The presence of violent gangs like Tren de Aragua in American cities has amplified worries about the security risks associated with immigration policies. This sentiment underscores a demand for tighter border controls to prevent criminal elements from crossing into the U.S.

SCOOP: A DHS memo circulating internally is warning officials that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua has given the ‘green light’ to members to shoot US cops.

Cops in Albuquerque, NY, Chicago and Denver are the targets of these threats.

More: https://t.co/ma4rkr7OLW pic.twitter.com/F5A3WZ38CZ

— Jennie Taer 🎗️ (@JennieSTaer) July 30, 2024