Americans Split Over Trump’s Bold Move to Detain Venezuela’s Leader
Trump shocked the world by launching a high-profile military action to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro early on January 3. Operation Absolute Resolve targeted Maduro, his wife, son, and three coworkers, drawing US and international criticism.
The mission went without congressional approval, provoking nationwide debate. The Trump administration says the operation is a response to long-held accusations that Maduro and his allies smuggled massive amounts of cocaine into the US alongside criminal cartels. Those arrested might face life in prison if convicted by federal authorities.
Public opinion on the operation is divided. Over 2,000 Americans were surveyed by YouGov on Maduro’s arrest day. 39% opposed military action, 36% backed it, and 25% uncertain. Polls showed substantial party differences. Over 60% of Democrats opposed the mission, with over half “strongly opposed.” Republican support was 66%, with 44% “strongly supporting” the president.
Independent voters were more Democratic, rejecting the operation 44% to 22%. A separate Washington Post poll of 1,000 Americans revealed that 13% of Democrats, 34% of independents, and 74% of Republicans supported military seizing Maduro.
Permission from Congress also divided opinion. According to the Post poll, 76% of Republicans thought the president acted appropriately without congressional authorization, while 94% of Democrats and 70% of independents said Congress should have consented.
As political debate continues, Maduro will appear in a U.S. court on narco-terrorism charges. The case shows the Trump administration’s drug war and U.S.-Venezuela relations. For weeks, the operation and legal actions will dominate public and partisan discourse.
Sources:
- YouGov Poll of U.S. Adults, January 3, 2026
- Washington Post Poll of U.S. Adults, January 5, 2026
- Official U.S. Federal Indictments and Court Filings (U.S. Department of Justice)
