U.S. Threatens to Leave OAS Over Its Response to Venezuela and Haiti

US Threatens to Leave OAS

Criticism of OAS Over Venezuela

Regional Tension at the Assembly

According to EFE, the OAS General Assembly was rocked by a fiery speech from the administration of Donald Trump.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau cast doubt on the United States’ continued membership in the organization.

During his address in Antigua and Barbuda, Landau harshly criticized the OAS’s response to the crises in Venezuela and Haiti.

He asserted that the OAS has shown a “troubling inability” to act in situations threatening regional stability.

US to Leave OAS: Reviewing Membership

US Threatens to Leave OAS – Photo: Courtesy OAS

Washington’s message sparked concern among representatives of member states in attendance.

Landau spoke on behalf of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who delegated the representation to him.

“We are reviewing our membership in several international organizations, including the OAS,” he warned.

In that context, he directly questioned the organization’s role in the Venezuelan crisis.

Direct Criticism of OAS’s Role

US Threatens to Leave OAS – Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK

He accused the OAS of failing to take effective measures in response to what he labeled “electoral fraud” committed by Nicolás Maduro’s government.

According to Landau, allowing Maduro to assume a new term without a strong response was “a sign of weakness.”

He recalled that despite opposition complaints, the OAS only passed a resolution requesting the electoral records, which were never delivered.

Landau also condemned the lack of action regarding the security crisis in Haiti.

US to Leave OAS: Urgent Regional Action Demanded

US Threatens to Leave OAS – Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK

The Caribbean country is paralyzed by gang violence and deep institutional instability.

The United States proposed a resolution at the Assembly supporting the security mission led by Kenya.

But Landau was emphatic: “We cannot continue bearing the financial burden of this crisis alone.”

He hinted that if the OAS cannot play a useful role, its existence as a regional forum is in question.

Key Candidacy and Economic Pressure

“What is the point of this organization if it doesn’t act when it’s needed most?” he asked.

The statements were surprising in tone, even for an administration openly critical of multilateralism.

Until now, the White House had avoided public clashes with the OAS of this magnitude.

Not even this past March, when a coalition of countries succeeded in electing the new Secretary General, Albert Ramdin.

Regional Response to US Threat to Leave OAS

Ramdin represents a moderate line and favors dialogue with Venezuela.

Landau also took the opportunity to make a specific request to member countries.

He urged them to support the candidacy of Rosa María Payá for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Payá is a Cuban dissident and fierce critic of the Havana regime.

US Conditions Its Economic Support

She is the daughter of dissident Oswaldo Payá, who died under controversial circumstances in 2012.

According to the IACHR, the Cuban opposition leader’s death may have been caused by state agents.

Support for her candidacy reflects the US’s strategic interest in strengthening its influence within the organization.

The threat of withdrawal carries more weight given the US’s financial contributions to the OAS.

Assembly Concludes with Lingering Tensions

Washington provides approximately 50% of the organization’s annual budget.

However, the Trump administration has yet to pay its dues for 2025.

This adds concrete financial pressure on the regional organization.

Despite the confrontational tone, several countries expressed support for maintaining dialogue.