Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown to the United States in what President Donald Trump described as a “large-scale strike against Venezuela.” This action was met with mixed reactions both domestically and internationally.
A long-standing ally of Venezuela, Cuba, resisted the US invasion as well, and 32 Cubans were killed. The New York Times reported that this was “the riskiest US Military operation of its kind since [the killing of] Osama bin Laden in 2011.” The legality of Trump’s actions have been questioned, as he did not seek congressional approval before starting the operation.
However, many groups have expressed praise for Trump’s actions, stating Maduro eroded human rights guaranteed in their constitution and enabled the government to intimidate, censor, and prosecute its critics.
Since Maduro is in US custody, Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez became the acting president. She has condemned the actions taken by the US to “kidnap” Maduro and Flores and has called for their immediate return home.
The United Nations (UN) held an emergency session on Trump’s capture of Maduro on January 5. Many countries, including US allies, condemned the capture. Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated the US had violated the UN charter. China condemned the action as well, demanding that the US “cease its bullying and coercive practices.”
This was the third meeting regarding relations between the US and Venezuela recently. Some countries have backed Trump’s actions, both at the UN and on social media, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posting “Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump for your bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice. I salute your decisive resolve and the brilliant action of your brave soldiers.” Even with differing opinions, most countries push for a democratic vote in Venezuela to determine the next steps forward.
Similar to countries in the UN, the JR community has differing opinions. An anonymous Venezuelan junior said that deposing Maduro was a good thing, but it is a pathway to power for the United States. He added that it was wise they didn’t overthrow the whole government, as it would have led to instability.
Another Venezuelan, however, disagreed, explaining that “Maduro has emphasized continuity in social programs that aim to support health care, education, and food access for disadvantaged communities.” An anonymous sophomore added that “the measures that were taken were far too extreme” and kidnapping a leader of another country puts Trump on the same level as Maduro, who many consider a dictator. An anonymous freshman added that Trump “took it upon himself to go to Venezuela, when there are enough problems in our own country.”
Trump’s capture of Maduro has raised student concerns about Trump’s general overreach of executive power, both domestically and internationally.
Voices internationally have questioned what Trump will do next. Since the start of his second term, Trump has threatened to take Greenland, for its prime location in the Arctic and its untapped resources, stating “The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.” While Denmark and many North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries have pushed back against this, with some even sending troops to Greenland, Trump’s next actions remain unclear. •
