How Are Venezuelans Reacting To Maduro’s Capture?

On 3 January 2026, US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro, who had been in office since 2013, has been a polarizing political figure and responses to his capture have certainly illustrated this view of him.

Adding on to that the arguably even more divided opinion of the Trump regime and it is only natural that opposing arguments will quickly come to the forefront. As it stands now, the two loudest voices in these recent events are those condemning Trump and the US for their actions and those who are praising the removal of an authoritarian leader.

It is quite interesting to observe that many of the voices praising the US’s actions come from within Venezuela itself or from the Venezuelan diaspora. On the other hand, the majority of those condemning these recent events come from within the US itself or from other countries.

Let us explore these two deeply contrasting views and try to explain the question at hand. How are Venezuelans reacting to Maduro’s capture and why does it differ from the responses of other countries?

By unpacking these points, I am not trying to invalidate the points of either side or to push my own opinion forward. Rather, this article should serve as a brief summary of the facts at hand to explain the existence of these varying viewpoints in order for you to reach your own conclusions.

Why Are Nations Condemning Maduro’s Capture?

To put it briefly, the main point being raised in this argument is the questionable legality of America’s actions. On the face of it, it appears as though one country has illegally invaded and captured the sovereign leader of another without following the due processes of international law.

Trump’s announcement that the US will “run” Venezuela temporarily also raises questions as to illegal occupation. Many detractors of these recent events also point to past US interventions in countries like Syria, Libya and Iraq where further casualties and uncertainty was sowed following the US’s involvement in overthrowing their leaders.

The US has claimed these recent actions as a preventive measure against “narcoterrorists” who they fear will import illegal drugs into their country. Many have spoken out against this as a violation of International Law. The UN Charter has no regulations for such an action and it is being argued that organizing strikes and capturing a foreign leader on that basis cannot be construed as an act of self defence.

The UN Secretary General has been quoted as saying that “these developments constitute a dangerous precedent.” Countries such as France and Spain, while also critical of Maduro’s government, also voiced their concerns that such actions by the US would have the potential to open up the floodgates to similar acts of aggression in the future.

Detractors of Trump from within The States itself, have called out the President for threatening the sovereignty of another country and hiding behind talk of self defence and liberation to further his own goals at the expense of the Venezuelan people.

All in all, the primary argument against the capture of Maduro is not so much rooted in any particular feeling towards the man himself or even his country but rather the precedent it can set if left unaddressed. If not thoroughly investigated and analysed, many governments are concerned that America’s actions will give full blanche to any global superpower to use force on another country under similar pretences.

Why Are Venezuelans Celebrating?

While those in the US and around the world are expressing concern, many Venezuelans both in and outside the country have expressed feelings of joy, hope and relief. As far as they are concerned, they have been liberated from the hands of a tyrant.

Maduro’s time in office had been marred by economic crisis, accusations of torture and starvation, and most recently, questions as to the legitimacy of his Presidency following the 2024 elections. Since Maduro took office, almost eight million Venezuelans have fled the country. This is almost a quarter of Venezuela’s total population. With Maduro gone, many displaced Venezuelans may feel a renewed hope in the possibility of returning home.

Venezuela has also seen the rise of many popular figures in its Opposition. With Maduro now ousted from power and in US custody, there are many in the country who remain optimistic that this will pave the way for a transition towards a more stable and democratic government. Many in the country hope that figures like Nobel Prize Winner María Corina Machado Parisca will now be able to rise up and lead Venezuela into a better tomorrow.

It is apparent that unlike the views held by outsiders, the main feeling among Venezuelans now is relief that Maduro has been taken down. It is clear that at this moment, said relief holds more weight over them than any long term ramifications especially as hope remains that a stable transition of power will eventually take place.

Is There A “Correct” Stance?

So what is truly happening? Has a tyrant been removed from power or has one country potentially used illegal force to encroach into the sovereignty of another? The truth is, it isn’t one or the other. In fact, both cases are true.

Yes, the actions of the US have indeed set a very worrying precedent. As it stands now, it appears that they have indeed gone beyond the rules of international law to invade and depose the leader of a foreign country. Whether or not that leader was popular or beloved, is irrelevant.

At the same time, we cannot invalidate the feelings of the Venezuelan people. They truly did suffer under Maduro’s regime and should not be villainised for celebrating his removal or paying little regard to the circumstances behind it. As it stands now, the immediate source of their suffering has been removed and they are not wrong for crediting the US for facilitating this.

Thus, the best thing that we as outsiders can do, is wait and see how the situation develops further. As with all hot button issues, emotions will always run high so it is best to take a step and look at things from an unbiased perspective. Yes, we should be worried about these recent actions while also allowing the people of Venezuela to rejoice. Fear and outrage should never overtake hope and optimism so long as it is tempered by reason and good sense.