Trump Venezuela Military Operation 2026: Maduro Captured as U.S. Moves to 'Run' Nation
On Jan 3, 2026, the Trump administration captured Nicolás Maduro. This article explores the legal controversy and the Trump Venezuela military operation 2026.
The United States captured a foreign leader in the middle of the night—and now it plans to run his country. President Donald Trump's administration has seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, escalating a shadow campaign into a full-scale international crisis.
The Logistics of the Trump Venezuela Military Operation 2026
According to the Associated Press, U.S. forces apprehended Maduro during a surprise incursion into Caracas on January 3, 2026. He's currently being transported on a warship to face narcoterrorism charges in New York. The timing is symbolic, occurring 36 years to the day since Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega surrendered to U.S. forces.
Legal experts are sounding the alarm. Michael Schmitt, a professor at the U.S. Naval War College, stated that the operation is a clear violation of international law. Since September, the U.S. has conducted 35 boat strikes against suspected drug traffickers, resulting in over 115 deaths.
Constitutional Crisis and War Powers Debates
The Trump administration claims it's in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels, effectively bypassing Congress. While GOP leaders like John Thune expressed gratitude for the military's actions, Democrats warn this sets a dangerous precedent for authoritarian regimes in China or Russia.
Once this line is crossed, the rules that restrain global chaos begin to collapse.
The Senate is expected to vote on a war powers resolution next week to block further unauthorized military use against Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the secrecy of the operation, citing national security concerns.
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