Global Security Challenges and US Military Action in Venezuela

A look at Robert Gates' strategic assessment, the capture of Nicolás Maduro, and the ensuing debate over US foreign policy

Nuclear Threats and Global Adversaries

"The US faces nuclear-armed adversaries in both Europe and Asia for the first time in history."

On May 17, 2026, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates appeared on Face the Nation to discuss national security. He warned that China and Russia together are expected to have nearly twice as many strategic nuclear warheads as the United States.

Gates characterized China as a more powerful adversary than the Soviet Union ever was, citing its manufacturing capacity, technology, and non-military instruments of power. Regarding US-China relations, he said the main objective of the Trump-Xi summit was to maintain stability and continue the trade truce.

On Taiwan, Gates advised against changing the US position of strategic ambiguity. He supported proceeding with promised arms sales despite delivery backlogs, and assessed a Chinese invasion as unlikely—suggesting China might instead use political influence or a blockade.

Iran and the Middle East

Gates argued that negotiation, not military action, is the only way to end Iran's nuclear program. He stated that strikes had damaged but not eliminated the threat, and criticized unrealistic expectations about the conflict's duration.

Recalling a 2009 exchange, Gates noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued an attack on Iran would cause regime collapse and no retaliation. Gates said he told Netanyahu he was wrong.

Pentagon Leadership and Education

Gates declined to evaluate Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directly but praised efforts to reform the defense industrial base. He commented on personnel changes, stating that when making such changes, the rationale should be explained to the public and Congress.

Gates disagreed with Hegseth's characterization of William & Mary as a "woke breeding ground," noting the university's military-friendly environment and ROTC program. He identified the main US national security risk from Cuba as a potential mass migration event.

Military Operation in Venezuela

The Capture of Nicolás Maduro

On January 4, 2026, the United States conducted a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 40 Venezuelans. Maduro is currently detained in a Brooklyn jail facing drug trafficking charges.

"It was a sophisticated and complicated operation—landing on a military base, arrest, and exfiltration without US casualties or asset loss."
— Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Rubio stated that Maduro, identified as an indicted drug trafficker and not the legitimate president by the US and other nations, is now facing justice in the American court system.

President Trump described the mission as an unprecedented assault, stating it was planned for months but executed in under three hours. He indicated the US would manage Venezuela "until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," adding that all military options, including "boots on the ground," remained open until US demands were met.

US Strategy and Objectives

Secretary Rubio characterized the US approach primarily as an "oil quarantine" —involving sanctions against oil shipments and seizure of vessels operating under US sanctions. He highlighted a significant naval deployment in the Western Hemisphere capable of intercepting drug boats and sanctioned vessels.

Rubio detailed US objectives for Venezuela:

• Restructuring the oil industry to benefit the Venezuelan populace
• Cessation of drug trafficking and gang activities
• Expulsion of groups such as FARC and ELN
• Ending Venezuela's alliances with entities like Hezbollah and Iran in the Western Hemisphere

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the US would "set the terms" in Venezuela to stop drug flows, ensure the return of oil, prevent criminals from being sent to the US, and prevent foreign adversaries from establishing a foothold in the hemisphere.

Political Transition and Leadership

When questioned about why other indicted Venezuelan officials—such as Diosdado Cabello and the Defense Minister—were not also apprehended, Rubio explained that the operation focused on the "top priority" target. He noted that simultaneous arrests in multiple locations would have been overly complex.

Regarding leadership post-Maduro, Rubio acknowledged that the US recognized opposition leader Edmundo González and María Corina Machado as winners of the 2024 election. He emphasized that a rapid transition to elections immediately following Maduro's arrest was unrealistic given the duration of Chavismo. He stated that the US would judge interactions with any new leadership based on actions taken toward meeting US conditions.

Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as Venezuela's president following Maduro's capture. Her contact with Russia's top diplomat after the operation was noted, though Senator Tom Cotton denied any US-Russia agreement related to the action.

Congressional Perspectives

Support for the Operation

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, commended the US military and intelligence community for the operation. He acknowledged that sanctioned and indicted officials remain in charge of the Venezuelan government apparatus.

"President Trump aims to give these officials a chance to turn a new page."

Cotton stated he hoped for new elections in Venezuela, though he suggested this would take months. He supported the continued military buildup and defended the president's authority to conduct such operations.

Criticism and Legal Concerns

Congressman Jim Himes (D-Connecticut), top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, criticized the administration for a lack of outreach to Democratic members regarding the operation. He expressed concern about the absence of a clear plan going forward and argued the operation represents a shift towards "neocon" foreign policy.

Himes questioned the legality of the operation under both international law and the US Constitution, stating it sets a dangerous precedent for other nations to conduct similar operations in sovereign territories.

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) accused the Trump administration of misrepresenting the operation's motivations, asserting he believes it was primarily about oil interests. He characterized the action as an "invasion" and expressed concern it would complicate efforts to secure the release of detained Americans in Venezuela. Van Hollen contended that President Trump lacked legal authority for the operation.

Legal Implications and Context

The debate over the legality of the operation involves interpretations of the War Powers Act, which requires presidential notification to Congress within 48 hours of troop deployment and authorization for extended engagements. Congressional members hold differing views on whether the president possesses inherent constitutional authority for such actions.

The DEA administrator previously reported a 45% increase in cocaine prices and that drug traffickers had shifted routes. Venezuelan officials under US indictment remain in power.

Rubio rejected arguments by former envoy Elliott Abrams suggesting that US oil executives influenced the policy, asserting the operation was focused on apprehending an indicted drug trafficker.