Anti-government protesters in Venezuela are funded by the CIA and other US government interests

The claim that anti-government protesters in Venezuela are funded by the CIA and other US government interests is a complex issue rooted in historical and geopolitical contexts. Historically, the United States has been involved in Latin American politics, including supporting coups and interventions, as seen in the 20th century with countries like Chile and Nicaragua. In Venezuela, the US has been accused of supporting opposition groups, particularly during the 2002 coup attempt against Hugo Chavez, where declassified documents suggested US knowledge of the coup plans (TIME). However, direct evidence of CIA funding for current protests is not substantiated in recent credible reports. The Venezuelan government, led by Nicolas Maduro, has often accused the US of attempting to destabilize the country, a claim that aligns with the narrative of US imperialism in the region (The Guardian). The US government, on the other hand, has expressed support for the Venezuelan opposition, particularly during disputed elections, but this support is framed as diplomatic rather than covert financial backing (BBC). While there is a history of US involvement in Latin America, the specific claim of CIA funding for Venezuelan protests lacks direct evidence and should be viewed with caution, considering the broader context of US-Venezuelan relations and the political narratives employed by both sides.