Official Statement from Jason S. Arnold

On U.S. Actions Involving Venezuela

There is a lot of noise right now surrounding Venezuela, and I want to be clear and honest about where I stand.

I do not believe this situation has ever truly been about drugs. Venezuela sits on some of the largest proven oil reserves in the world, and history tells us that energy, leverage, and geopolitics have always been at the center of U.S. involvement there.

I am also deeply concerned by reports that the United States has unilaterally entered another country, captured a sitting head of state, and brought him to the U.S. to face charges.

Even if a foreign leader is corrupt or criminal, there are international institutions and legal mechanisms designed to handle those situations. When the United States bypasses them and acts alone, we weaken the rule of law we claim to stand for and set dangerous precedents that can be used against us in the future.

America should be strong — but strength does not mean acting as the world’s police, judge, and jailer.

As Governor of New York, my focus is on protecting New Yorkers, restoring affordability, and rebuilding trust in government through transparency and restraint. Endless foreign entanglements, selective morality, and actions driven by resource politics do not serve the people of this state or this country.

We can stand for justice without abandoning due process.
We can pursue accountability without becoming reckless.
And we can defend American interests without pretending every intervention is righteous.

That is the standard I believe in — and the standard I will hold.

Jason S. Arnold
Candidate for Governor of New York
“I’m not a good candidate — I’m the right one.”