The BareStory
On January 3, 2026, United States forces executed "Operation Absolute Resolve," a military mission in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, which reportedly involved airstrikes and an interdiction force in Caracas, concluded without American casualties. Following their transfer to New York City, the couple pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges. During the proceedings, Maduro alleged that he had been "kidnapped."
The operation has triggered a debate in Washington regarding presidential war powers. Representative Dan Goldman reportedly characterized the mission as an undeclared war and an impeachable offense, while Senator Tim Kaine stated that the president lacks the constitutional right to initiate such military actions. In contrast, constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley argued that the president possesses the legal authority for the operation, citing the 1989 capture of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega as precedent. Turley also noted that approximately 50 countries do not recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate head of state.
Domestic political reaction appears divided along partisan lines, though not exclusively. Data analysts report that the Republican base is largely united, with polls showing between 65% and 74% of GOP voters supporting the operation. While a minority of Republicans, including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, expressed skepticism, support among the president's 2024 voters is reportedly high. Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has seen a surge in public interest and prediction market standing following the event.
Internationally, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum declared that the U.S. action violated Article 2 of the United Nations Charter. However, legal experts noted that some Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. have either supported the capture or refrained from objecting, despite calls for impeachment from other members of their party.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• You may observe heightened political instability in Washington as lawmakers debate the constitutionality of the mission, with specific calls for impeachment regarding the use of presidential war powers.
• You will likely see significant media coverage of federal court proceedings in New York City as the captured Venezuelan leaders face trial on drug trafficking charges.
• Diplomatic relations with Mexico may become strained following President Sheinbaum's declaration that the U.S. action violated the United Nations Charter and international law.
• You may notice shifting dynamics in domestic politics, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio has gained significant public interest and standing in prediction markets following the operation.
