Cryptocurrencies have become a strategic weapon in the political pulse between Donald Trump and Nicolás Maduro. While Trump tightens financial sanctions, Maduro responds by creating a "parallel route" with stablecoins and exchanges to sustain his regime.

🔑 The political and financial board

Trump and the sanctions: The Trump administration has used financial sanctions to isolate Maduro's regime, blocking access to dollars and restricting operations of companies like Chevron.

Maduro and cryptocurrencies: In response to this blockade, Maduro intensified the use of stablecoins like Tether (USDT) for international transactions, especially in oil exports to China.

Maduro's objective: Create a parallel financial system that allows him to evade banks supervised by the U.S. and maintain a flow of foreign currency.

📌 Keys to the political chess

Cryptocurrencies as oxygen: In 2025, up to 50% of Venezuelan foreign currency came from payments in stablecoins.

Legitimacy vs. survival: For Trump, cryptocurrencies are an illegitimate attempt by Maduro to stay afloat; for Maduro, they are a lifeline against the blockade.

Regional effect: If Venezuela manages to consolidate a parallel system based on crypto, it could inspire other sanctioned countries to replicate the strategy.

⚠️ Risks and challenges

Crypto volatility: Although Maduro bets on stablecoins, trust in these assets depends on international regulations.

Increased scrutiny: The U.S. could intensify tracking of transactions on the blockchain, shutting down exchanges linked to Venezuela.

Internal hyperinflation: The massive use of cryptocurrencies does not resolve the fragility of the bolívar or the structural crisis of the country.

In summary, cryptocurrencies are the new battlefield: Trump seeks to financially suffocate Maduro, while he responds with blockchain and stablecoins to maintain his power. It is a chess game where each move redefines not only Venezuelan politics but also the future of global finance under sanctions.