The United States military conducted an operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was subsequently arraigned in a U.S. federal court on narco-terrorism charges. The U.S. administration outlined plans to temporarily administer Venezuela, develop its oil industry, and reorient its foreign policy, asserting the operation as a justified law enforcement action against drug cartels. This move has prompted varied international and domestic responses, raising discussions about international law, U.S. foreign policy, and congressional authority over military actions.
Apprehension and Legal Proceedings
On Saturday, the United States military conducted an operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a Venezuelan military base. The operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel.
Maduro was processed in New York and transferred to federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. On Monday, Maduro and Flores were arraigned in a New York federal court, where they pleaded not guilty to federal charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
Upon departing the courtroom, Maduro stated, "I am a kidnapped president. I am a prisoner of war."
U.S. Rationale and Objectives
The U.S. administration justified the operation by stating that drug cartels operating from Venezuela were declared unlawful combatants, characterizing the U.S. as being in an "armed conflict" with them. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, described the operation as a justified "surgical law enforcement operation."
This action aligns with the Trump administration's National Security Strategy, which identifies restoring "American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere" as a key goal. Senator Marco Rubio characterized the administration's actions as a firm stance in the Western Hemisphere, distinguishing them from war or occupation. He stated that Venezuela had become a hub for narco-trafficking, mass migration, and foreign actors, including Russia, whose operations were reportedly supported by an oil industry that did not benefit the Venezuelan population.
The stated objective of the U.S. appears to be the establishment of a governmental structure in Caracas that aligns with U.S. interests, while largely maintaining elements of the existing government. This strategy seeks to reorient Venezuela's foreign policy towards the United States. President Trump indicated that the actions were partly aimed at reestablishing U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, citing the Monroe Doctrine and countering the presence of China and Russia in the region.
U.S. Plans for Venezuela
Following the operation, President Trump announced that the U.S. would temporarily administer Venezuela and develop its oil industry. He stated that U.S. oversight, including control over its oil revenue, could extend for "much longer" than a year, with a goal to "rebuild it in a very profitable way."
Trump and senior aides indicated a willingness to work with Delcy RodrĂguez, Maduro’s vice president and current interim president, to manage Venezuela and its oil sector. This arrangement is proposed "until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," with no specific timeframe provided for potential elections.
Secretary Rubio confirmed that a U.S. naval quarantine on Venezuelan oil tankers would continue until RodrĂguez collaborates with the U.S. administration, characterizing the blockade and the ongoing threat of military action from the U.S. fleet off Venezuela's coast as "leverage." President Trump warned RodrĂguez that she would face significant repercussions if she did not comply with U.S. demands.
A U.S. official confirmed that the administration plans to collaborate with oil executives to expand Venezuela's oil output. Trump is scheduled to meet with executives from major U.S. oil companies, including ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron. He also unveiled a plan to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, which had been under a U.S. blockade. President Trump indicated that additional military strikes in Venezuela remain an option if deemed necessary.
Trump also stated that Secretary of State Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine would manage Venezuela’s government transition.
International Reactions and Concerns
Analysts and leaders from various countries, including China and Mexico, commented on the Venezuela mission. Some expressed concerns that the apprehension of Maduro could lead to further military interventions and a potential alteration of the global legal framework.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that Maduro's capture "runs counter to the principle of the non-use of force, which forms the basis of international law." U.N. Undersecretary-General Rosemary A. DiCarlo informed the Security Council that "the maintenance of international peace and security depends on the continued commitment of all member states to adhere to all the provisions of the (U.N.) Charter." Russian Ambassador to the U.N., Vasily Nebenzya, characterized the mission as "a turn back to the era of lawlessness" by the United States and urged the Security Council to "unite and to definitively reject the methods and tools of U.S. military foreign policy."
Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the "illegal U.S. attack against Venezuela." Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated his view that international rules "do not govern the decisions of many great powers." On Sunday, the United Nations Security Council convened an urgent meeting to address the legality of the U.S. operation in Venezuela, called by Colombia.
Domestic U.S. Political Response
Following the announcement of Maduro's capture, most Republican lawmakers publicly endorsed the action. Democrats and a minority of Republican members expressed concerns regarding the legal basis for the operation and the potential for a prolonged U.S. commitment in Venezuela. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) stated the operation "has nothing to do with American security" and that "Venezuela is not a security threat to the U.S."
Outgoing Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene stated on X that many supporters of the Make America Great Again movement expressed "disgust" with "never ending" military engagements abroad. Interviews conducted by The Associated Press among Trump voters revealed varied responses, with some expressing approval of the operation as decisive action, while others conveyed caution regarding its implications. Analyses of public opinion suggest that voters prioritize domestic policy over foreign policy.
Congressional Action and War Powers
The U.S. Senate advanced a resolution aimed at restricting President Trump from initiating further military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization, with a procedural vote passing 52 to 47. Five Republican senators joined Democrats in this vote. Senator Tim Kaine, a co-sponsor, described the vote as a "victory" for congressional powers. President Trump criticized the Republican senators who voted for the resolution on his Truth Social platform.
Senators who opposed the resolution argued that the operation involving Nicolás Maduro was a law enforcement action, not a military one, and that the President acted within his rights as commander-in-chief for limited military actions. The resolution faces further legislative steps, including passage by the House of Representatives, and would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override a potential presidential veto.
Broader Foreign Policy and Regional Developments
President Trump's actions in Venezuela and his statements indicate a more interventionist U.S. foreign policy compared to his previous "America First" rhetoric. His first year back in office has included military strikes in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria, and Iran, in addition to the operation in Venezuela. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated President Trump was fulfilling campaign promises by targeting Maduro and that the operation aligned with his "America First" agenda, citing his pledge to "demolish foreign drug cartels."
- Colombia: During a news conference, President Trump alleged that Colombian President Gustavo Petro was involved in cocaine production and shipment to the U.S., adding, "he does have to watch his ass." The Trump administration had previously imposed sanctions in October on Petro, his family, and a government member over alleged involvement in the global drug trade. Colombia is recognized as a significant center for the world's cocaine trade. President Trump later invited Petro to Washington for a visit, describing their first call as "cordial" and discussing issues such as drugs.
- Mexico: Trump discussed efforts to combat drug cartels in Mexico with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, stating, "Something’s going to have to be done with Mexico."
- Cuba: Trump characterized Cuba as "a failing nation" and indicated it would be a subject of future discussions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued warnings to the Cuban government, stating, "Don’t play games while this president’s in office. It’s not going to turn out well."
Related Geopolitical Discussions
- Greenland: President Trump commented on the strategic importance of Greenland, stating, "It’s so strategic right now. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security." The White House issued a statement indicating that military force "is always an option" for annexing the Arctic island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded that Trump has "no right to annex" the territory, noting Denmark already provides the U.S. access through existing security agreements. European leaders asserted that the people of Greenland should determine their own future.
- Taiwan: The action in Venezuela prompted discussion regarding potential similar moves by China concerning Taiwan's leader, Lai Ching-te. China recently conducted military drills around Taiwan in response to a U.S. plan to sell military arms to Taipei. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory, criticized Maduro’s apprehension as a "blatant use of force against a sovereign state."
- Iran: U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June, which involved the first use of a GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, drew criticism and concern from some of Trump's supporters. Trump has since threatened further attacks on Iran if its leaders do not comply with warnings regarding the treatment of protesters in Tehran. On Friday, Trump warned Iran that if Tehran "violently kills peaceful protesters," the U.S. "will come to their rescue." Violence in Iran, attributed to economic conditions, has reportedly resulted in at least 35 fatalities.
- Ukraine: Russia's ongoing military actions in Ukraine have been widely identified as a breach of international law. Volodymyr Fesenko, chairman of the board of the Penta think tank in Kyiv, stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently challenged the global order and international law, suggesting Trump's actions continue this trend.
Venezuelan Responses and Prisoner Release
On Tuesday, Venezuela's interim leader Delcy RodrĂguez challenged President Trump's assertion that the United States controls Venezuela, stating, "The Venezuelan government rules our country, and no one else does."
Senior figures in Venezuela's democratic opposition, including Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, expressed concern over developments where the U.S. administration indicated willingness to work with RodrĂguez. President Trump dismissed Machado’s leadership capacity, stating she "doesn’t have the respect within the country" to lead. Elliott Abrams, Trump’s special envoy to Venezuela in his first term, voiced skepticism regarding RodrĂguez's potential disloyalty to the Chavismo movement and criticized Trump's assessment of Machado.
Venezuela's top lawmaker, Jorge Rodriguez, announced the release of a "significant number" of both foreign and Venezuelan prisoners, characterizing it as a "gesture of peace" and a unilateral decision. Opposition leaders and human rights organizations have consistently advocated for the release of political prisoners, with local rights group Foro Penal estimating 863 political prisoners are currently held.
Economic Context and Oil Industry
Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, has experienced significant economic decline in recent decades, leading to a migration of 8 million people. Washington and the Venezuelan opposition attribute the economic challenges to corruption and mismanagement within the ruling Socialist Party, while Maduro places blame on U.S. sanctions. President Trump's plan to engage American companies in revitalizing Venezuela's oil industry following the detention of its president may not immediately affect global oil prices. President Trump's remarks repeatedly referenced Venezuela's oil resources as a benefit for the U.S. from the operation. He expressed dissatisfaction with Venezuela's current oil output and stated that U.S. companies would be involved in increasing production and sales.