Former President Donald Trump made an unexpected stop at El Arepazo, a popular Venezuelan restaurant in Doral, Florida, on Monday, March 9, 2026, as he concluded a trip to the state. The visit underscores the importance of the Venezuelan community in a key swing state as the presidential election approaches.
The visit to El Arepazo followed a press conference in Doral where Trump addressed his administration’s military strategy in the Middle East. After the conference, he went to the restaurant and greeted patrons inside.
According to local reports, Trump asked those present, “¿quién es de Venezuela?,” and added, “venimos a conseguir comida para el AF1,” referencing Air Force One.
One of the restaurant’s managers thanked the former president for visiting and the scene concluded with applause and shouts of “USA!” from attendees.
El Arepazo, which opened in 2004, has grow a central gathering place for the Venezuelan diaspora in Florida, particularly in Doral, a city with a significant Venezuelan population.
Trump Draws Parallels Between Iran Conflict and Venezuelan Model
Before departing for Washington, D.C., Trump also discussed the ongoing conflict in Iran with the press. He characterized the U.S. Military campaign as “a tremendous success,” regardless of whether the operation remains at its current level or “goes further.”
The former president declined to specify when the conflict, which began over a week ago, might end, despite earlier suggesting the offensive was “practically finished.” These statements contrast with those of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who has warned the conflict could be “just the beginning.”
During the same appearance, Trump was asked about leadership within the Islamic State group. In response, he referenced the political model implemented in Venezuela under the transitional government led by Delcy Rodríguez, stating it was a formula he would like to replicate in other contexts.
