On January 3, 2026, the United States launched "Operation Absolute Resolve" against Venezuela, capturing President Maduro in the most significant U.S. military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
How "Absolute Resolve" unfolded
Trump's update to the 1823 Monroe Doctrine
"We are going to run the country until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition."
The November 2025 National Security Strategy declared a "Trump Corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine: "After years of neglect, the United States will reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere."
How domestic sources are framing the operation
Global response to the operation
Joint Statement (Jan 4): Brazil, Spain, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay expressed "profound concern and firm rejection of the military actions carried out unilaterally in Venezuelan territory."
No advance notification to "Gang of 8" — DoD notified staff after operation began
Rare GOP dissent: Rep. Thomas Massie questioned constitutional soundness. Rep. Don Bacon warned Russia and China could cite this to justify their own invasions.
Did Trump have authority to launch this operation without congressional authorization? The War Powers Act requires notification within 48 hours; Trump notified staff only after operation began.
The UN Charter prohibits use of force against sovereign states except in self-defense or with Security Council authorization. Neither condition was met. UN called it a "dangerous precedent."
Can the U.S. prosecute a sitting (or recently deposed) head of state? Defense attorney Barry Pollack has signaled he may assert sovereign immunity.
If the U.S. can capture heads of state in the Western Hemisphere, what prevents Russia from citing this to justify actions in its "near abroad" — or China in Taiwan?
Will there be free elections in Venezuela? What happens to Venezuelan migrants? Will Trump follow through on threats to Colombia, Cuba, Mexico?