Daniel Di Martino warned that the United States is moving toward Democratic socialism during an appearance on Fox & Friends Weekend.
Di Martino, a Venezuelan immigrant and fellow at the Manhattan Institute, argues that the U.S. risks facing the same political and economic collapse that devastated his home country. His warnings stem from personal experience fleeing a socialist regime, suggesting that current American political trends could lead to similar outcomes.
During the broadcast, Di Martino described the trajectory of Venezuela's government as a cautionary tale for the U.S. He said that the rise of socialist policies often leads to systemic instability and economic ruin. Because he witnessed the breakdown of institutional checks and balances in Venezuela, he believes the U.S. must remain vigilant against the adoption of similar ideologies.
While Di Martino's warnings focused on the broader political landscape, other Venezuelans in the U.S. have shared similar accounts of loss. For example, some families left Venezuela as recently as 2019 [1] after socialism bankrupted their holdings. In one instance, a student left the country at age 14 [2] to escape the regime's impact.
This sentiment has manifested in public demonstrations across the U.S. Most recently, anti-Maduro protesters gathered in Doral, Florida, on Jan. 4, 2026 [3], to voice opposition to the Venezuelan government.
Di Martino said the U.S. must prioritize economic freedom to avoid the pitfalls he experienced. He said that the transition toward socialist policies is often gradual, making it difficult for a population to recognize the danger until the damage is irreversible.
“the U.S. is heading toward similar economic and political outcomes”
The discourse reflects a broader effort by Venezuelan exiles to leverage their lived experiences as a political warning within the U.S. By framing Democratic socialism as a precursor to state collapse, these advocates aim to influence American policy and public opinion through the lens of national security and economic stability.
