Former Vice President Kamala Harris issued a strong rebuke of President Donald Trump’s military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, following reports of U.S. airstrikes and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. In her statement, Harris described the action as “unlawful and unwise,” emphasizing concerns over its implications for American security, regional stability, and domestic priorities.
U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela Begins
Early on January 3, 2026, explosions were reported in Caracas and other areas of Venezuela, marking the start of a U.S.-led military strike. According to multiple reports, the operation involved airstrikes targeting military and civilian sites across at least three states. The Venezuelan government confirmed hits on various locations, leading to a state of emergency declaration in the country. Witnesses described loud blasts and power outages in the capital’s southern regions, with fires visible in several spots.
President Trump addressed the nation later that morning, confirming the strikes as a “large-scale” effort aimed at addressing threats from the Maduro regime, including drug trafficking and regional instability. He stated that the operation was executed with precision, resulting in no U.S. casualties or equipment losses. The strikes were described as part of a broader strategy to secure U.S. interests, with Trump noting that the action would help curb fentanyl flows and access oil reserves.
Capture of Nicolás Maduro and His Wife
During the operation, U.S. special forces, reportedly including the Army’s Delta Force, located and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump announced that Maduro had been flown out of the country to Stewart Air Base in New York, where he faced indictment on drug and weapons charges. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the charges, linking them to long-standing allegations against the Maduro regime.
The capture was facilitated by CIA intelligence pinpointing Maduro’s location, with the green light for the mission reportedly given days earlier, though delayed from an initial Christmas Day timeline. Trump described the mission as a “brilliant operation” and stated that the U.S. would temporarily “run” Venezuela to ensure a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” of power. Reactions in Venezuela included celebrations among some citizens opposed to Maduro, while others expressed alarm over the foreign intervention.
International and Domestic Responses
The strikes prompted widespread concern across Latin America, with leaders distancing themselves from the action and calling for dialogue. In the U.S., the operation was hailed by some as a decisive move against a “narcoterrorist dictator,” while others questioned its legality and lack of congressional approval. Trump emphasized that the mission prioritized American safety and economic benefits, including reduced costs for families through secured resources.
Kamala Harris’s Full Statement
Later that day, former Vice President Kamala Harris posted a detailed response on X, criticizing the operation’s motives and execution. Her statement read:
“Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable. That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise. We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that are sold as strength but turn into chaos, and American families pay the price. The American people do not want this, and they are tired of being lied to. This is not about drugs or democracy. It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman. If he cared about either, he wouldn’t pardon a convicted drug trafficker or sideline Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while pursuing deals with Maduro’s cronies. The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home. America needs leadership whose priorities are lowering costs for working families, enforcing the rule of law, strengthening alliances, and — most importantly — putting the American people first.”
Harris’s comments echoed broader debates about the operation’s rationale, focusing on potential long-term costs and the absence of an exit strategy. The post quickly garnered significant engagement, reflecting divided opinions on the U.S. involvement.
