Protesters rally outside the White House Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Washington, after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a military operation.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
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Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
The U.S. decision to dethrone Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro has sparked a divided reaction in the States. While some applaud the move, especially Republicans, others question its legality and morality, highlighting a split even within the GOP.
Mixed Reactions Among Republicans
Although several Republican leaders endorsed Trump’s actions, a faction expressed concerns over its legality. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., emphasized the need for Congressional approval before any military intervention, stating, “If the President believes military action against Venezuela is needed, he should make the case and Congress should vote before American lives and treasure are spent on regime change in South America.”
Similarly, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., criticized the invasion, suggesting it contradicts conservative principles. She noted on social media that the action seems more about political motives than drug control, “Americans disgust with our own government’s never-ending military aggression and support of foreign wars is justified…”
Meanwhile, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a retired Brigadier General, sees the operation as a defense of freedom but warns of potential repercussions from authoritarian nations.
GOP Senators, including Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, and Dan Sullivan, expressed varying degrees of skepticism. Paul highlighted the importance of congressional approval to avoid unnecessary wars, while Murkowski and Sullivan cautioned about the potential for a drawn-out conflict.
Democratic Opposition to the Military Action
On the Democratic side, the reaction was more uniformly critical. New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani voiced his disapproval directly to Trump, emphasizing a breach of international law. “I called the President and spoke with him directly to register my opposition…” he said in a press conference.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., accused Trump of unconstitutional actions and warned of potential consequences of trying to govern Venezuela. Similarly, Sen. Adam Schiff of California criticized the lack of Congressional consent and foresaw chaos as a result of the military action.
Vermont’s Sen. Bernie Sanders condemned the invasion as “imperialism,” likening it to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., suggested the move was a distraction from domestic issues.
Overall, the U.S. operation in Venezuela has ignited a fierce debate about military intervention, the role of Congressional approval, and the broader implications for international relations.
