In 2022, the White House granted Venezuela a financial lifeline “to support the restoration of democracy” after President Nicolás Maduro promised to work toward an open presidential election, granting U.

Things seemed to be looking up for Venezuela in 2022. Following years of authoritarian rule and withering economic sanctions, President Nicolas Maduro had agreed to work toward a democratic presidential election.

During his speech, Maduro talked about the number of alleged mercenaries detained in Venezuela for trying to undermine his government, saying they numbered more than 150, came from 25 countries.