A recent United States military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, has initiated legal proceedings, prompted varied responses from US lawmakers, and sparked international reactions. Concurrently, renewed discussions by the US administration regarding the potential annexation of Greenland have drawn criticism from Danish and Greenlandic officials. The events have highlighted diplomatic tensions, domestic political divisions, and debates over international law and national sovereignty.
US Military Operation in Venezuela and Legal Proceedings
The United States initiated a military operation in Venezuela, leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro. He, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, faces drug and weapon charges in the U.S. Both Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court. The trial for Maduro is being overseen by US District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein, a 92-year-old appointee of former President Clinton, who has previously ruled against the Trump administration on various issues, including deportation matters and a state fraud trial.
During the operation, gunfire was reported near Venezuela's Miraflores presidential palace in central Caracas. Agence France-Presse reported that local security forces responded to unidentified drones over the palace, with government sources stating the situation was brought "under control."
Following Maduro's capture, Delcy RodrĂguez, who previously served as his vice-president, was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president by her brother, Jorge RodrĂguez, the head of the national assembly.
US Congressional and Domestic Political Responses
The US military action in Venezuela prompted diverse reactions within the US Congress:
- House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) stated after a classified briefing that the US is "not at war" with Venezuela and that the operation does not constitute "regime change." Johnson described the action as a "demand for a change of behavior by a regime," referencing allegations that the former Venezuelan president had directed drug cartel violence and drug trafficking. He indicated the US does not anticipate troops on the ground, suggesting a strategy involving coercion of the new interim government. Johnson reported being informed of the military action by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) described the administration's plan for Venezuela as "vague" and "unsatisfying," stating it "posed far more questions than it ever answered." He expressed concerns that such interventions could harm US interests and indicated a push to invoke the War Powers Act, also raising concerns about potential "nation building."
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D) criticized the administration for not notifying Congress of the planned action, asserting that Congress holds the sole power to declare war and that "there is no Trump exception" to the Constitution. He dismissed claims that notification would lead to leaks as "outrageous."
- Senate Judiciary Committee leaders, Republican Chuck Grassley and Democrat Dick Durbin, protested their exclusion from the classified briefing, citing their committee's jurisdiction over agencies reportedly involved, such as the Department of Justice, FBI, and DEA.
- Senate Republicans expressed support for Maduro's arrest, labeling him an "indicted narcoterrorist" involved in drug trafficking.
Public opinion in the US, according to a Reuters poll of 1,248 adults, indicated approximately 33% approval for the US military action, 34% disapproval, and 33% undecided. Support varied by political affiliation: 65% of Republicans approved, compared to 11% of Democrats and 23% of independents. Additionally, 72% of US adults surveyed expressed concern about potential excessive US involvement in Venezuela.
Outside the Manhattan federal courthouse, both supporters and opponents of Nicolás Maduro were present. Izzy McCabe, affiliated with the Freedom Road Socialist organization, protested against US intervention, emphasizing Venezuelan resistance and adherence to international laws. Conversely, Alejandro Flores, a Venezuelan who migrated to the US, expressed support for Maduro's detention, linking it to Venezuela's economic struggles. Pedro Reyes, another Venezuelan migrant seeking asylum, also expressed satisfaction with Maduro's detention, alleging past mistreatment by the Venezuelan military, and voiced concerns for safety in Venezuela given the continued presence of individuals associated with the former regime.
International Reactions to Venezuela Operation
An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council was convened to discuss the US actions.
- Several nations, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Eritrea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, and Spain, expressed condemnation of the US actions. Brazil's Ambassador, Sérgio França Danese, stated that the bombings and capture constituted "a very serious affront to the sovereignty of Venezuela" and established "an extremely dangerous precedent."
- In contrast, US Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the actions as "legitimate law enforcement" aimed at executing criminal indictments against an "illegitimate" leader, clarifying that they were not acts of war.
- UN Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres voiced concern regarding potential instability in Venezuela and the broader region. He also questioned whether the operation adhered to international law and called for Venezuelan parties to engage in "inclusive and democratic dialogue," offering UN support for a peaceful resolution.
- Samuel Moncada, Venezuela's Ambassador to the UN, characterized the US action as an "illegitimate armed attack," arguing against any state acting as judge, party, and executor of world order, and asserting that Venezuela was a victim due to its natural resources.
Economic and Oil Industry Discussions
President Donald Trump suggested that US taxpayers might fund American oil companies to rebuild Venezuela's oil infrastructure to increase production, acknowledging the significant investment required. Reports indicated the Trump administration was scheduled to meet with top US oil executives, including representatives from Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron, to discuss revitalizing oil production. Earlier reports noted that major oil companies had expressed reluctance to invest due to uncertainty regarding Venezuela's future governance, and Reuters reported that these companies had not engaged in prior discussions with the administration regarding Maduro's ouster, contradicting Trump's earlier claims. House Speaker Johnson suggested that the seizure of oil exports would influence the country's governance.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader MarĂa Corina Machado
MarĂa Corina Machado, an exiled Venezuelan opposition leader, appeared on Fox News and stated her intention to return to Venezuela "as soon as possible." Machado expressed a desire to share the Nobel Peace Prize she received with Donald Trump, though reports from sources close to the White House indicated that her initial acceptance of the prize, rather than an immediate relinquishment to Trump, had caused dissatisfaction. Trump had previously commented on Machado's suitability for leadership, stating, "I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesn’t have the support within, or the respect within, the country. She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect." Machado also affirmed that a "free Venezuela" would aim to become a major energy hub for the Americas, referencing the country's oil reserves.
Greenland Annexation Discussions
White House advisor Stephen Miller reaffirmed the Trump administration's position on Greenland becoming part of the US, citing US and NATO interests in securing the Arctic region.
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any US military attack on a NATO ally, in reference to discussions about Greenland, would signify the end of both the military alliance and "post-second world war security." She urged the United States to "stop the threats against a historically close ally" and stated that Trump's desire to acquire Greenland should be taken seriously.
- Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen urged President Trump to abandon "fantasies about annexation" and described the US rhetoric as "completely and utterly unacceptable."