Trump Venezuela Intervention: Democrats Weaponize ‘America First’ for 2026 Midterms

America first, or Caracas first? Democrats're flipping the script on Donald Trump's signature slogan as his administration's intervention in Venezuela triggers a fierce domestic backlash. While the President celebrates the capture of Nicolás Maduro, candidates eyeing the 2026 midterms're arguing that Washington's focus is in all the wrong places.

Trump Venezuela Intervention: A Divergence from Domestic Relief

Across the country, Democrats are seizing the moment to hammer home their message on affordability. Former Senator Sherrod Brown, fighting to reclaim his seat in Ohio, posted on X that residents're desperate for relief from soaring costs. "We should be more focused on improving the lives of Ohioans – not Caracas," Brown said, highlighting the party's strategic pivot.

This framing reflects how potent the cost of living remains as a political weapon. After across-the-board losses in 2025, the Trump team's increasingly preoccupied with an aggressive foreign policy that critics say ignores the economic uncertainty still hurting families. Strategist Jesse Ferguson noted that Trump now looks like he's focused on everything other than what matters in people's daily lives.

Battle for the Midterms: Affordability vs. Foreign Victory

In competitive primary states like Michigan, the messaging is unified. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow and Rep. Haley Stevens have slammed the administration for risking a costly war abroad while Americans struggle with rent and groceries. This sentiment is echoed by potential 2028 contenders like Pete Buttigieg, who questioned why the GOP can manage a country like Venezuela but can't fix the domestic health insurance crisis.

However, Republicans remain firm in their support. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the action, calling it "accountability" for Maduro's alleged drug trafficking and cartel ties. He argued that Maduro is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans through the fentanyl crisis.