Democratic Florida U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon asserted that President Donald Trump's recent oil deal with Venezuela constitutes an act of pushing communism. Nixon, who is also a Florida state representative and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), made the accusation on MS NOW's "The Beat."
During the interview, Nixon was questioned on how she would appeal to Venezuelan and Cuban immigrants in Florida, who may be wary of socialist ideologies due to their experiences in communist nations. She countered by suggesting that Trump and her Republican opponent, Sen. Ashley Moody, are the ones aligning with communism.
"Point out how Ashley Moody is so in total lockstep with Donald Trump," Nixon stated. "You just had a gentleman on who was talking about how he has taken over Venezuela. That sounds like communism to me. They’re taking over their oil reserves and wanting to sell them off. That is the epitome of what communism is, and that is what Ashley Moody is okay with. And I am totally not okay with that at all."
Nixon's remarks referred to Trump's announcement of a U.S. oil deal with Venezuela, which involves over 65 billion barrels of proven reserves. This agreement followed a U.S. operation in January to apprehend Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and subsequent engagement with interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Nixon has faced criticism for her ties to the DSA. While she is a member, Nixon has disavowed being a socialist, explaining that her membership stems from support for public housing and healthcare initiatives.
"Ashley Moody knows that I’m not a socialist," Nixon told "Meet the Press NOW." "I joined the DSA because I believe in them in regards to fighting for adequate public housing, as well as fighting for quality healthcare, as well as making sure that we are getting our veterans off the street, taking big money out of politics, right?"
Despite her denials, the Republican National Committee has accused Nixon of supporting far-left policies. RNC spokeswoman Emma Hall stated, "Socialist lunatic Angie Nixon wants to empty our prisons, open our borders, and raise your taxes to bankroll their far-left agenda."