Donald Trump Venezuela Military Operation 2026: From Anti-War Candidate to Regime Change Architect

The self-proclaimed 'anti-war' president just shifted gears into high-stakes military intervention. Donald Trump has long characterized his rivals as 'warmongers,' yet on January 3, 2026, he authorized a lightning-fast strike to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump has since declared that the US will effectively 'run' the Latin American nation, a move that stunned geopolitical analysts worldwide.

Inside the Donald Trump Venezuela Military Operation: Regime Change Reborn?

The operation represents a staggering pivot for a leader who built his political career rejecting 'regime change' wars. According to Reuters, high-ranking Republicans like Senator Lindsey Graham have already lauded the move, describing Venezuela as a 'drug caliphate' in America's backyard. Graham even called Trump the 'GOAT of the American presidency,' referencing his recent FIFA Peace Prize win in December 2025.

However, the consensus isn't absolute. Some of the most vocal MAGA loyalists are breaking ranks. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene slammed the aggression, arguing that taxpayers shouldn't fund 'never-ending foreign wars' while the cost of living spikes at home. She pointed out that Venezuela isn't a primary source of fentanyl, questioning the administration's 'drug war' justification.

The Ghost of Iraq and Constitutional Concerns

Critics like Representative Thomas Massie warn of a 'miniature Afghanistan' in the Western Hemisphere. They're highlighting the lack of Congressional authorization—a sentiment echoed by Senator Rand Paul. While Maduro is in US custody, the absence of a clear transition plan mirrors the 2003 Iraq invasion, which many now view as a geopolitical disaster. With Trump not ruling out 'boots on the ground,' the fog of war in Caracas remains thick.