Trump's Terms 7 takeaways from Trump's incursion into Venezuela
Jan 5, 2026
Domenico Montanaro, NPR's senior political editor, dives into the complex reactions to Trump's actions in Venezuela. He discusses the sharp divide among Americans, noting that while Republicans largely support the intervention, Democrats express skepticism. Montanaro highlights how conservative media spins the narrative, focusing on legality and Maduro's indictment. Poll results show Republicans favor intervention more than Democrats and independents. He also explores the political implications for Trump, suggesting economic issues may ultimately define his approval ratings.
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Partisan Split Over The Operation
- Partisan reactions to the Venezuela operation split predictably along party lines.
- Democrats questioned legality while most Republicans rallied behind President Trump.
Concerns About Precedent And Norms
- Critics warned the operation breaks international norms and could set dangerous precedents.
- Some moderates and Democrats stressed long-term risks with countries like Russia or China following suit.
Administration's Justifications
- Trump framed the action around oil and drug trafficking to justify the move.
- Administration officials described it as a law-enforcement retrieval of an indicted fugitive.