USA and Venezuela Rising Tensions: How Far Will Trump Go?
Written and Edited by Laura Torres
On the 3rd of January 2026, President Donald J.Trump announced the military capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. President Trump stated “It was an operation against a heavily fortified military fortress in the heart of Caracas to bring outlaw dictator Nicolás Maduro to justice.” (USA Department of War). It was revealed that such an operation had been under preparation for months, with the USA waiting for the “audacious operation that only the United States could do." (USA Department of War). The “Operation Southern Spear” had been targeting drug-smuggling and narco-trafficking roots for months prior to Maduro’s kidnapping. (America’s Navy) However Trump’s real motives were questioned at first, was it for the good of the people or to fight Venezuela against the drug war?
On the 13th of January, the US President revealed the real motive behind the operation: “Venezuela’s massive crude oil reserves” (Global Witness). Some argue Maduro’s capture was beneficial as he had an extensive record of human right abuses and was blamed for Venezuela’s ongoing economic crisis. On the other hand, Trump’s decision was driven by gaining the country’s oil rather than helping Venezuela’s “determine their own future and control their own resources” (Global Witness).
This goes beyond solely Venezuela, instead it reveals to worldwide political powers that Trump can and will use the US military to get what he wants. Will he stop solely with Venezuela or are his threats for Greenland further amplifying his power to do what he desires?
Officials from Mexico, Cuba and Greenland are alert, observing whether this operation will have a larger aftermath. (Global Witness) Furthermore, United Nations officials declared such military action opposed primary principles of the UN Charter by violating established norms of use of force. Countries in Latin America such as Brazil and Colombia expressed deep concern and outright denunciation, warning such interventions as dangerous. Moreover, global powers, China and Russia, outwardly condemned Trump’s actions for breaching international law and sovereignty. (BBC)
The USA’s chosen replacement of Maduro, Delcy Rodriguez, has publicly rejected US control and influence within the nation. Thus, thousands of Venezuelan citizens do not see this intervention as liberation. After such action, human right violations in Venezuela persist, political prisoners have been released and instability continues widespread. Therefore, to what extent did Trump’s capture of Maduro help the future of Venezuelans?
While some may view Maduro’s capture as a win for human rights, it remains unclear whether Trump’s actions truly benefit Venezuelans or serve US interests more than theirs.
Works Cited
Noronha, Jonathan, and Becca Inglis. “Why the US attacked Venezuela: Oil, sanctions and Maduro.” Global Witness, 13 January 2026, https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/fossil-fuels/why-the-us-attacked-venezuela-oil-sanctions-and-maduro/. Accessed 27 January 2026.
Olay, Matthew. “Trump Announces U.S. Military's Capture of Maduro > U.S. Department of War > Defense Department News | U.S.” Department of War, 3 January 2026, https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4370431/trump-announces-us-militarys-capture-of-maduro/. Accessed 27 January 2026.
“Operation Southern Spear: Latest Development in Operationalizing Robotic and Autonomous Sy.” Navy.mil, 28 January 2025, https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/4044322/operation-southern-spear-latest-development-in-operationalizing-robotic-and-aut/. Accessed 27 January 2026.
“The Venezuela strike sets a new low for the world order — even by Donald Trump's standards.” ABC News, 4 January 2026, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-04/venezuela-operation-us-blatant-disregard-international-law/106197628. Accessed 27 January 2026.
“World leaders react to US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.” BBC, 3 January 2026, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx1rpxzyx9o. Accessed 27 January 2026.
