2019 State of the Union address: on Foreign Policy

Donald Trump: FactCheck: Oil collapse AND socialism cause Venezuela unrest

FACT-CHECK: Since the swearing-in of President Nicol s Maduro--whom much of the international community has called illegitimate --many conservative critics have blamed the country's "21st century socialism" for unrest. But it's a more complicated picture than just the s-word. The corruption of Venezuelan leaders and the country's near-complete dependence on oil are also important components of the country's downfall.

Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Ch vez, worked to use oil revenues from the then-booming industry to fund national programs. But when oil prices collapsed in 2014, shortly after Maduro took over, the country lacked funds for those programs. U.S. sanctions on the oil industry, a result of charges of corruption and human rights abuses by Venezuelan leaders, have been another blow to the economy.

Other countries with socialist-leaning governments--like Denmark or Sweden--have not experienced similar unrest.

Donald Trump: Recognize new government of Venezuela, not military

We stand with the Venezuelan people in their noble quest for freedom--and we condemn the brutality of the Maduro regime, whose socialist policies have turned that nation from being the wealthiest in South America into a state of abject poverty and despair.

Xavier Becerra: The world needs the United States strong and ready

Allow me an obvious observation: There is no other country like the United States.

The world needs us strong and ready. The world looks to us as a leader and partner. If America falls, everyone gets hurt.

Tulsi Gabbard: Defends meeting Syria's Assad; supports Trump on North Korea

A: It continues to be very important for any leader in this country to be willing to meet with others, whether they be friends or adversaries or potential adversaries, if we are serious about the pursuit of peace and securing our country. It's why I have urged and continue to urge President Trump to meet with people like Kim Jong-un in North Korea, because we understand what's at stake here.