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Hundreds gathered to make their voices heard after President Trump took large-scale military action and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
WASHINGTON — People across the United States and around the world are reacting after President Donald Trump announced a U.S. military strike on Venezuela and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
In a statement earlier Saturday, Trump claimed Maduro is a “narco-terrorist” and accused him of stealing Venezuela’s oil reserves. The president said the United States would temporarily govern Venezuela following Maduro’s capture.
Along with his wife, Maduro arrived in New York later Saturday, where he is expected to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. Maduro has previously denied similar allegations.
The announcement prompted protests in Washington, D.C., where hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the White House to oppose what the Trump administration described as a large-scale military operation carried out overnight.
“This was one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and confidence in American history,” Trump said.
Trump later posted an image on Truth Social that he said showed Maduro in U.S. custody.
Protesters in the nation’s capital said the military action could set a dangerous international precedent.
“Not only are we supporting Venezuela, but some of the most powerful countries in the world, the most populous countries in the world, are standing with Venezuela,” one demonstrator said.
Law enforcement activity also increased in Washington following the announcement. The U.S. Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department responded to a bomb threat near the former Venezuelan Embassy. Police said no hazardous materials were found.
According to the administration, the operation followed months of U.S. military buildup in the region and included deadly strikes on more than 30 boats the government claims were transporting drugs.
Sen. Tim Kaine D-Va., criticized the action, calling it unconstitutional.
“This is an illegal war,” Kaine said. “There is no legal justification in the Constitution or in the history of the Constitution.”
International leaders and U.S. lawmakers continued to react Saturday, with some expressing deep concern over the legality of the operation and its broader global consequences.
Meanwhile, some Venezuelan Americans in Miami voiced support for Trump’s decision, saying they hope it will bring political change to the country.
“As a Venezuelan American, I can’t tell you how happy I am,” one supporter, named Luis, said. “There are tears in my eyes. We’ve been waiting for this moment since 1998.”
The U.S. government has long accused Maduro of leading an authoritarian regime marked by widespread election fraud. Critics of the military action argue the operation violates constitutional war powers and international law.
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