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Trump's Claims of Venezuelan Election Hacking Linked to Carvajal's Accusations

KVIA•Friday, July 17, 2026 at 2:40 AM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

Recent statements from the White House suggest that Venezuela attempted to hack its own voting machines, echoing allegations made by former Venezuelan intelligence chief Hugo 'El Pollo' Carvajal in a letter to Donald Trump. Carvajal, who has a history with both Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, claimed that the voting technology company Smartmatic was created to facilitate electoral manipulation, although he provided no evidence for his assertions. Smartmatic has firmly denied these claims, stating that it has never been controlled by the Venezuelan government and that its technology was only used in Los Angeles during the 2020 elections. Carvajal, who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges, may potentially testify against Maduro, who faces serious charges in the U.S. and has pleaded not guilty.

Key Details: • Hugo Carvajal's allegations date back to a letter from December 2025. • Smartmatic's technology was only used in Los Angeles for the 2020 elections. • Carvajal is currently awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to narcoterrorism charges.

elections venezuela voting narcoterrorism smartmatic

People & Organizations

Donald TrumpVenezuelaNicolás MaduroLos ÁngelesCIANueva YorkHugo ChávezJuan GuaidóHugo CarvajalSmartmatic

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