Public Support for Trump’s Maduro Capture Spikes by 25 Points Following Covert U.S. Operation
Support for the recent removal of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro has dramatically increased by 25 percentage points among Americans, according to a report from CNN. This spike in public support highlights a moment of rare consensus across the political spectrum, triggered by a successful military operation led under former President Donald Trump.
The surge in approval comes after the capture of Maduro, known for his lengthy history of corruption and abuse of power, during a covert U.S. military raid. The operation, dubbed “Absolute Resolve,” was executed in January 2026 and involved nearly 200 U.S. service members who entered Caracas, detaining Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, at the Miraflores Palace. Following their removal, both were extradited to the U.S. to face charges, pleading not guilty at their arraignment.
This dramatic turnaround in public opinion marks a significant shift, especially given the skepticism Americans usually express regarding military interventions. A YouGov poll conducted just months before the operation revealed only 18% of respondents were in favor of using armed force to oust Maduro. Once the U.S. confirmed the operation’s success, that support jumped substantially.
As noted by a CNN panelist, “After the ousting, look! Support went THROUGH THE ROOF!” This observation underscores the rare enthusiasm for a U.S. military operation, contrasting sharply with public sentiment from previous conflicts, where skepticism predominated.
Americans have been cautious regarding military interventions in recent years, particularly after protracted engagements in the Middle East. Earlier data from Pew Research established that 66% of Americans favored military action to remove Saddam Hussein back in early 2003. Fast forward to mid-2025, and support for military intervention in places like Iran or Venezuela had dwindled. The case of Maduro, however, appears to break this trend.
The operation to remove Maduro was not characterized by the slow, drawn-out conflicts of the past. Instead, it was quick and decisive, leading to immediate results where years of sanctions and diplomatic efforts had failed. Trump’s approach was spotlighted with remarks from Senator Marsha Blackburn, who stated, “Trump doesn’t just talk tough, he is tough. He did what needed to be done.”
This perspective was echoed by various figures, including activist Ja’Mal Green, who remarked, “Under Trump, Maduro FAFO,” indicating that the decisive action stirred a sense of approval even among those not typically in Trump’s corner.
The operation not only targeted Maduro but aimed to address broader concerns regarding narcotics trafficking. Maduro’s regime has long been accused of functioning as a “narco-state,” involved in extensive drug operations. The arrest came alongside federal indictments based on years of investigations into his widespread corruption and links to global crime networks.
In a rare turn for such situations, Maduro remains defiant, insisting, “I am still the President,” and claiming that the U.S. action constitutes a coup attempt. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s parliament appointed Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, a move closely monitored by Washington to avoid destabilization.
The meticulous planning that characterized the operation has also drawn attention. Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth confirmed the extensive coordination behind it, with nearly 200 military personnel involved and operations targeting drug facilities linked to the Maduro regime. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine added that the mission reflected months of preparation and cross-regional cooperation.
The context surrounding the operation further adds to its significance. Recent polling indicated widespread approval among Latin American nations for the idea of removing Maduro by force, with high discontent simmering in countries like Peru and Bolivia.
Despite the rise in support, experts caution about the potential volatility of public opinion. “Any mistake or any extended engagement, and the political blowback could be significant,” warned a political analyst. To mitigate risks, the Trump administration has sought to keep U.S. military footprints minimal in Venezuela while pushing the interim government to meet specific demands.
There’s also a strategic context to consider. Officials view Venezuela as a pivotal battleground in the broader competition against China and Russia in the region. By ousting Maduro, the U.S. aims to shift the balance of power away from these two nations.
Prominent commentators have scrutinized the efficacy of past diplomatic efforts, with analysts questioning whether traditional strategies have yielded results. In one pointed remark, an expert quipped, “Wait. You mean ‘Don’t’ diplomacy didn’t get it done?” This observation reflects a growing divide between the efficacy of results-driven actions versus diplomatic rhetoric.
The 25-point rise in public support suggests Trump’s bold move may have resonated positively, at least temporarily. The sustainability of this support hinges on how the nation of Venezuela evolves, how the courts handle Maduro’s case, and whether the interim government fulfills its promises. For now, the successful operation has captured attention and applause, affirming that decisive action resonates powerfully with the American public, especially when it leads to significant outcomes.
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