Donald Trump Recent Events in Venezuela 

January 14, 2026 /

By Harper Gardner

On January 3rd, the U.S. conducted a military operation across Venezuela to capture Maduro – the president of Venezuela – and his wife Cilia Flores. Eventually, both were captured and now face criminal charges of drug trafficking, and narco-terrorism. The U.S. framed this operation as a means against illegal drugs and forcing regime change. However, this event has sparked much controversy on whether this event was for other lucrative purposes. Venezuela has one of the largest crude oil reserves in the world, but the production has dropped dramatically over the years. The U.S. plans to control Venezuela’s oil and is ensuring that they will help benefit the people of Venezuela. Some argue that the U.S. actions including blockades and control of the oil revenue violate the international law and Venezuelan sovereignty. The core controversy lies solely on if the U.S. is overreaching by taking over another nation’s natural resources. Another concern is that the Venezuelan government is currently being run by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and remnants of the Maduro party. Although Donald Trump claims that Venezuela will currently not hold elections, and that the U.S. will “run the country” until there is a “safe, proper, and judicious transition.” There is also controversy of the U.S. campaign being launched without broad international legal approval. This leads many to question the basis of the U.S. action, and the political and legal legitimacy. It remains unknown if Venezuela’s will get the opportunity to help decide their country’s future. As of now, some Venezuelans are praising the capture of Maduro for new leadership and change, while some are concerned of their safety, loss of national sovereignty, and the legal legitimacy of the event.  

Sources:

Jeyaretnam, Miranda, and Chad de Guzman. “What’s Happening with the U.S. And Venezuela, Explained.” TIME, Time, 8 Jan. 2026, time.com/7344628/us-venezuela-trump-maduro-oil-drugs-war-explainer-questions-answered/.

Sanger, David E, et al. “Trump Says U.S. Oversight of Venezuela Could Last for Years.” The New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026, www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/us/politics/trump-interview-venezuela.html.