Im like partially certain they're referring to this article from last year (like a nine days ago.) Where they're comparing Maduro to Cipriano Castro

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/27/world/americas/venezuela-blockade-1903-us.html

Cool kids link: https://archive.is/JE1sP

Article isn't too bad, it tells the history behind Cipriano Castro's fall at the hands of American imperialism and how that plunged Venezuela into a corrupt pit by American design.

Castro held on to power for a few years until his failing health (brought on by “debauchery,” U.S. diplomats claimed) led him to seek medical care in Europe in 1908.

His right-hand man, Juan Vicente Gómez, then seized power in a bloodless coup supported by the United States. Castro remained in exile until his death in 1924.

Gómez ruled Venezuela with an iron fist, amassing an immense fortune while using spies and agents to control the nation through force and terror. He granted concessions to U.S. oil companies, kept good relations with world powers and wiped out Venezuela’s foreign debt.

Gómez ruled until 1935 when he died peacefully in his bed at the age of 78.