On September 2nd, 2025, the United States began bombing small boats in the Caribbean. The Trump administration alleges these boats are used for drug trafficking, claiming that these boats are controlled by the Venezuelan terrorist organization “Tren de Aragua.” However, they have no evidence for this claim. An estimated thirty ships have been struck.
The United States has also bombed seven land locations, four of which were identified with satellite imagery. There has been a total of 75 casualties, with 32 being Cuban special forces. The Center for Strategic and International Forces reports that, “An investigation by Bellingcat found that one woman was killed when an AGM-88 anti-radiation missile detonated near an apartment block in Catia La Mar. Another civilian was reportedly killed when U.S. forces struck a communications array near El Volcán.”
Venezuelan Oil
President Donald Trump has promised that the United States will have full access to Venezuelan oil reserves. In a Truth Social post, Donald Trump announced, “At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL.” Though confident claims were made, oil companies haven’t shown much interest in the large and risky investments.
Arnab Datta, a lawyer who specializes in energy markets, said, “Today, America is the world’s biggest oil producer. The play for Venezuelan oil doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for the new world we’re in.”
The oil industry has changed heavily in the past thirty years. In the early 1990s, Venezuela was a top oil producer. The country pumped out more than three million barrels per day. Due to neglect since a change in leadership in the 2000’s, it would require a large investment to make the oil wells profitable.
Darren Woods, the CEO of Exxon Mobil, said, “If we look at the commercial constructs and frameworks in place today in Venezuela, today it’s uninvestable.”
Capture of the Venezuelan President & Prisoners
After the capture of Maduro, a trial was held in New York, deciding his innocence of narcotics charges. Both the president of Venezuela and his wife pleaded not guilty, with Maduro expressing, “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country.” Despite this, he has still been seen shackled and dressed in orange and beige prison clothing until the next court hearing on March 17th.
People from all over have incredibly mixed feelings about Maduro’s presidency. Since 2018, when Maduro was first sworn in, the US considered him an illegitimate dictator, though many question the legality of the situation. When kidnapping Maduro, Trump did not consult the law and stated, “My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me,” Trump told The New York Times. “I don’t need international law. I’m not looking to hurt people.”
International Viewpoints
Americans are evenly split on whether they support or oppose the operation, or are unsure; right-leaning individuals are much more likely to support the operation, as shown in a Reuters survey, with 65% agreeing with the US’s military action. The primary argument that stands is that it was a matter of protecting the US border and relieving Venezuelans of an illegitimate dictator. Left-leaning individuals view the operation as illegal and a violation of international law that Trump blatantly disregarded. It is also viewed as a small part of a larger agenda to acquire rights to the vast, largely untapped oil reserves in Venezuela. As tensions were already high between the two political parties, they only continued to rise, dividing those in America.
In Venezuela, since the president was kidnapped, many prisoners have been released from being put in jail for protesting and opposing the government. Many were angry after President Maduro rigged the election, as the Carter Center found evidence that Edmundo González Urrutia won significantly by 67%. Although many are saying this process is happening incredibly slow with the tremendous torture individuals are facing in jail.
Much like in America, people are incredibly divided, as few groups in Venezuela are seen celebrating and feeling joy after the abduction. Due to the corruption of his reign, others can be seen in the streets cheering for the Trump administration’s intervention. On the other hand, people are furious at Trump’s illegal invasion and are protesting in the streets with signs saying, “No U.S. War on Venezuela” or “Fuera EEUU de Venezuela,” which basically means “US out of Venezuela.” Photographs also show many people burning the US flag to show opposition to America’s intrusion with bombs and strikes.
As for those in other countries, politicians from China, Russia, Brazil, and many other Latin American countries have spoken out about the matter. For example, China has expressed that they are “deeply shocked and strongly condemn” the US’s actions, as well as Russia saying that this was an act of “armed aggression.” Countries like Iran, Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, France, Canada, Norway, and Germany have all come out saying similar statements commenting on America’s blatant disregard for international law. They are concerned about quickly finding a peaceful solution. Contrastingly, Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, whom Trump stated is his “favorite president,” spoke on Venezuela’s newfound freedom due to US intervention. The UK prime minister took a while to speak up, but also eventually exclaimed that they would not shed any tears over Maduro’s downfall. Furthermore, Israel has congratulated Trump on his leadership. All in all, the reactions of those across the globe are quite varied, causing further division worldwide.
Long-term Implications
On January 8, 2026, the Senate voted 52-47 to prevent further military action in Venezuela. A few Republicans voted against Trump’s agenda, to which he replied, “Republicans should be ashamed of the Senators that just voted with Democrats in attempting to take away our Powers to fight and defend the United States of America.” Many are debating the ethics of the situation, with some saying that all of it is an act of war. Some say that the removal of Maduro from power was justified, yet further bombings aren’t. Additionally, Trump potentially seizing the oil reserves of Venezuela, which would leave the economy incredibly threatened are making citizens very worried. Nonetheless, Trump’s next steps with Venezuela are uncertain, leaving many skeptical and anxious. As each day passes, only time will tell the next actions surrounding the US and Venezuela.
