In an unprecedented demonstration of military force, former President Donald Trump has orchestrated the capture and imprisonment of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, declaring American authority over the South American nation until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” can be implemented. The operation, executed without American casualties, represents the most assertive application of the Trump doctrine of hemispheric dominance.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump revealed that U.S. forces had successfully detained Maduro and established operational control over Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly secured cooperation from Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez, who allegedly stated her willingness to comply with American demands. While Trump acknowledged potential “boots on the ground” deployments, specifics regarding governance mechanisms remained undefined.
This intervention revives concerns about America’s troubled history with forced regime change. Analysts from the International Crisis Group had previously warned that Maduro’s removal could trigger violent power struggles among armed factions. Historical parallels with Iraq, Afghanistan, and Haiti suggest nation-building efforts frequently yield instability rather than democracy.
Trump explicitly reframed American foreign policy through his “Donroe Doctrine”—an enhanced version of the Monroe Doctrine asserting permanent U.S. dominance throughout the Western Hemisphere. He issued blunt warnings to regional leaders, including Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro and implied future actions regarding Mexico and Cuba.
The operation’s economic motivations emerged clearly as Trump detailed plans to extract Venezuela’s mineral wealth, promising reimbursement for the United States alongside benefits for Venezuelans. This resource-focused approach echoes previous attempts to leverage Ukrainian natural resources for American gain.
Internationally, the action constitutes a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, drawing condemnation from China and raising concerns among European allies struggling to balance support for international law with diplomatic relations. The precedent established—that powerful nations may militarily intervene against leaders they deem criminal—potentially empowers authoritarian regimes worldwide.
Senator Mark Warner warned that China might cite similar justification for actions against Taiwan, while Russia could employ parallel logic regarding Ukraine. The erosion of international norms threatens global stability, suggesting continued turbulence as nations recalibrate their strategies in response to Trump’s assertion of unilateral power.