Nicolás Maduro Removed from Power

For decades, tensions between the United States and Venezuela had been building over issues including the legitimacy of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, corruption, and drug trafficking, and U.S. concerns about regional security. Maduro had remained a polarizing figure since a disputed third term began in 2025, with critics inside and outside Venezuela calling for the end of his dictatorial leadership. 

On January 3, 2026, the situation reached a dramatic turning point. In a carefully planned operation dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, U.S. forces conducted air and ground strikes in Caracas, targeting key locations and ultimately capturing Maduro and his wife. They were flown to the United States to face federal charges, including alleged narcotics offenses, marking the first time in decades that a sitting leader in Latin America was removed by foreign military intervention. 

The raid caused intense reactions and debates globally. Trump’s administration described the operation as successful and framed it as part of efforts to combat criminal networks and begin a change in Venezuela. 

Within Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed an interim leadership role, rejecting the legitimacy of Maduro’s removal and urging respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty. 

Several countries reacted sharply, with some Latin American leaders expressing support for the intervention’s goals, while others and organizations like the United Nations criticized the use of military force. 

The legality of removing a foreign head of state through unilateral military action is now a central point of debate. Critics argue that the U.S. operation violated international law and set a dangerous precedent for sovereignty and global norms. Lawyers argued there was no clear self-defense justification under the U.N. Charter. 

In the United States, debates have emerged over presidential war powers and oversight. Congress moved to require future military actions in Venezuela to receive explicit legislative approval, highlighting concerns about the scope of executive authority. 

In Venezuela, questions remain about Venezuela’s political future. While some hope that the removal of Maduro allows for democratic reforms and economic recovery, others are concerned about increasing tensions and diplomatic strain, especially with allies like Cuba and Russia protesting the intervention. 

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