In the early days of 2026, Spain found itself at the center of intense discussions following the high-profile arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Their detention in New York sent shockwaves through global politics, and Spanish celebrities and public figures were quick to respond. One of the central figures was Aurah Ruíz—a well-known influencer and former reality show contestant—who unexpectedly addressed Donald Trump with a rather direct message.
In her Instagram stories, Ruíz, holding nothing back, invited the former US president to ‘take a closer look at Spain.’ Her remarks, made amid widespread debate over events in Venezuela, sparked a storm of reactions among her followers and the media. Many interpreted her gesture as a veiled comment on the political climate in Spain itself, where, according to some in society, tensions are also running high.
Public response
Aurah Ruíz’s post instantly spread across social networks. Users were split: some praised her boldness, while others accused her of provocation. Dozens of comments appeared under her post as Spaniards debated whether foreign leaders should get involved in the country’s affairs. Some even saw Ruíz’s words as a subtle call for change.
Francisco Rivera, the renowned matador, also joined the conversation, publicly thanking Trump for the ‘liberation of Venezuela’ and hinting that Spain could use similar attention. His comments were picked up by opposition supporters, while critics accused him of populism. As a result, the discussion quickly expanded beyond show business and touched on some of the most pressing political issues.
Political undertones
Ruíz’s remarks came at a time when discontent with the government in Spain is growing. Many Spaniards feel that the situation in the country is becoming increasingly tense and that the political elite is losing touch with reality. Against this backdrop, appealing to Trump is seen not just as a joke, but as a kind of alarm bell.
Meanwhile, Venezuela is undergoing rapid changes. After Maduro’s arrest, his close associate Delcy Rodríguez began negotiations with the American side, further fueling interest in possible shifts in Latin American politics. Spanish society is following developments closely, as many see their own problems reflected in these events.
An outside perspective
Interestingly, Aurah Ruíz’s remarks resonated far beyond Spain. Foreign media took note of how Spanish influencers and celebrities are using their platforms to express political opinions. At a time when traditional politicians are losing public trust, these unexpected statements have become a catalyst for public debate.
However, not everyone is ready to take such statements seriously. Some believe that Ruíz simply took advantage of the moment to attract attention to herself. Nevertheless, it’s hard to deny that her words struck a chord with the current zeitgeist and reflected the mood of part of Spanish society.
Spanish context
Spain has faced tough times in recent years: economic challenges, political scandals, and growing discontent among the youth. Against this backdrop, even a casual comment on social media can spark a major debate. Aurah Ruíz may not have expected such an effect, but her appeal to Trump has become a symbol of the growing weariness with familiar political scenarios.
Whether Spain should expect changes following the Venezuelan scenario remains an open question. But one thing is clear: society is hungry for change, and any unconventional gesture instantly becomes a topic of discussion. While politicians search for answers, influencers continue to set the tone in public debate.
