GD POLITICS How Americans View U.S. Involvement in Venezuela
Jan 5, 2026
Mary Radcliffe, Head of research at 50+1, and Nathaniel Rakich, Managing editor at Votebeat, dive into the recent U.S. strikes in Venezuela, analyzing how polling reflects public opinion on military action. They explore the split in support among political parties and the historical parallels with past interventions. The discussion includes concerns about the U.S. motivations—oil versus democracy—and potential public backlash against prolonged involvement. The implications of the Monroe Doctrine and public attitudes towards occupation are also dissected, blending sharp analysis with insightful data.
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Capture Sparks Political Uncertainty
- The U.S. conducted strikes, captured Nicolás Maduro and brought him to New York, creating an uncertain moment for Venezuela and U.S. policy.
- Galen Druk frames the event as a political story as much as a foreign-policy one, with broad domestic implications.
Partisan Rallying After Action
- YouGov shows Trump's approval on Venezuela rose modestly after the capture, while support for military action jumped notably.
- Republican approval shifted most, illustrating partisan rallying around a president's actions.
Outcome Details Shift Opinions
- Adding the fact that Maduro was taken to the U.S. narrowed public opposition to force from a 30-point gap to nearly even.
- All party groups shifted toward support, with Republicans moving the most.