Trumps Strategy Masterclass Liberating Venezuela from Maduro’s Grip Deserves Credit
After years of escalating the bounty which did nothing, Trump had enough and sent in special forces to show Americas strength, and he should be applauded and supported.
In a decisive victory for American interests and global stability, President Trump’s administration executed a flawless operation on January 5, 2026, capturing Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas. This targeted Delta Force raid, with zero casualties, marks a turning point for Venezuela, ending years of tyrannical dictatorship rule and opening the door to economic revival and democratic hope. Trump’s strategic intervention underscores his commitment to protecting U.S. security while avoiding costly wars, delivering results that benefit both nations.
The roots of Venezuela’s collapse and dangers of Socialism
Venezuela’s troubles trace back to 1999, when Hugo Chávez rose to power through democratic elections, promising to fight corruption and uplift the poor. Backed by soaring oil prices, his regime initially funded social programs, drawing admiration from some progressive circles. However, Chávez’s embrace of communism led to authoritarian control; suppressing opposition, jailing critics, reports of torture and eroding freedoms through alliances with Cuba.
After Chávez’s death in 2013, Maduro, a less capable successor, accelerated the decline. Once boasting the world’s largest oil reserves and ranking as a top producer, Venezuela now rivals war zones in poverty and despair. Hyperinflation hit 200%, life expectancy fell below Syria, and shortages of food and medicine drove 9 million citizens, nearly a third of the population, to flee. This resource rich nation became a symbol of failed socialist policies, where promises of equality devolved into corruption and criminality.
Biden’s multimillion bounty increase did nothing
The Biden administration increased the existing U.S. bounty on Nicolás Maduro to $25 million in January 2025, for information leading to his arrest, amid disputes over Venezuela’s July 2024 election results. This was an escalation from the $15 million reward originally set by the Trump administration in 2020. The bounty was later raised further to $50 million before Maduro’s capture.
The strategic brilliance from Trump
Maduro’s regime had transformed Venezuela into a dangerous foothold for U.S. adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran, with reports of Hezbollah terrorist training camps activities on its soil. The government profited from drug trafficking, serving as a ‘the bridge’ for cocaine into the US, and aggressively claimed oil rich territories in Guyana via fraudulent referendums. Recognising the threat in America’s backyard, Trump offered Maduro an exit deal months prior, which was rebuffed.
The operation was precise. U.S. forces imposed a no-fly zone, used controlled explosions to secure the area, and extracted Maduro without civilian harm. Now facing drug charges in New York, where he pleaded not guilty, Maduro’s fall paves the way for accountability.
Trumps approach of not putting his own American opposition appointed leader into the country, effectively not trying another attempt at regime change, is surprising and calculated. Instead, Interim deputy leader Delcy Rodríguez has taken the reins as would have happened if Maduro had departed, pledging cooperation with U.S. directives, enforcing order in Caracas to prevent unrest. While celebrations are subdued at home due to the fear of its citizens due to many of the henchmen still in place, the Venezuelan diaspora rejoice around the world including Miami and Madrid.
Trump’s approach, reopening oil fields to American firms, rebuilding the economy, and installing leadership from within the existing government structure that are fully aware of what happens if the rotten regime continues, demonstrates efficient intelligent foreign policy. Without invading or spending trillions on another war, he neutralises threats and fosters prosperity, proving his “America First” doctrine works like the surgical strike on Irans nuclear facilities.
Economic Devastation and the Path to Recovery Under Trump
Nationalisation under Chávez and Maduro voided deals with companies like ConocoPhillips, turning Venezuela into a narco state linked to the “Cartel de los Soles.” Oil, gold, and minerals went untapped or funnelled to our common enemies like China, exacerbating shortages and inflation.
Trump’s plan revitalises these assets, inviting U.S. investment to restore production and jobs. This not only curbs migration crises affecting neighbours like Colombia but also strengthens U.S. energy independence. By addressing corruption head-on, Trump’s strategy offers Venezuela a lifeline, transforming it from a failed state to a stable partner.
With no immediate elections announced, a 90-day interim period under Rodríguez aims to stabilise the country, avoiding pitfalls seen in past attempted regime changes. Trump’s “third way” via targeted action over isolationism or endless conflicts, sets a precedent for dealing with rogue regimes.
Trump’s Vision for the West needs our support
Globally, this asserts U.S. dominance, and with the discussions surrounding Greenland this is Trumps attempt to show strength to deter aggression from China with Taiwan, and Russia with Ukraine. Simultaneously with the weakness from our politicians now complaining about ‘international law’, this exposes Western weaknesses in enforcement. Remember there is in reality no international law, its just an agreement between nations, but in reality they can do what they want.
In a competitive world, Trump’s strength based leadership ensures American security and inspires hope, reviving “esperanza” for Venezuelans long denied it.
This intervention highlights Trump’s effectiveness: swift, smart, and successful, delivering justice and opportunity where others hesitated.