During a heated appearance on ABC’s The View on January 6, 2026, Democratic Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett delivered a scathing critique of President Donald Trump’s recent military actions in Venezuela. Crockett, known for her direct and outspoken style, challenged the ethical grounds of Operation Absolute Resolve, arguing that political dislike for a foreign leader does not grant the U.S. the right to violate international sovereignty. Her remarks, which suggested that Americans would never tolerate a similar foreign raid on their own soil, prompted a wave of audible applause from the studio audience.
Jasmine Crockett’s warning on U.S. foreign policy
The core of Crockett’s argument focused on the hypocrisy she perceives in the current administration’s approach to global affairs. She pointed out that while many Venezuelans certainly oppose President Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. is currently home to a massive population that feels the same way about Donald Trump. By asking the audience to imagine a foreign power “grabbing our leader in the middle of the night,” she sought to highlight the chaos and outrage such an act would spark if the roles were reversed. She firmly stated that the mission “ain’t about Venezuelans,” but rather about a dangerous precedent of interventionism.
The capture of Nicolás Maduro and Operation Absolute Resolve
The controversy stems from a massive U.S. military operation executed in early January 2026. U.S. special operations forces conducted targeted strikes across Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Following the raid, Maduro was flown to New York, where he has since pleaded not guilty to various federal narcotics and terrorism charges. While the Trump administration maintains the operation was a humanitarian necessity to restore democratic order, the suddenness and scale of the intervention have left the international community deeply divided.
Donald Trump’s plan for Venezuelan oil control
Beyond the military strike, the administration’s economic strategy has drawn intense fire from global competitors. President Trump recently announced that the U.S. would effectively “run” Venezuela during its transition period, a move that includes the seizure of oil tankers and the redirection of exports toward Washington. This shift has specifically angered Beijing, as the U.S. has begun refining and selling millions of barrels of crude that were previously tied up under a blockade. While the White House claims these sales will eventually benefit the Venezuelan people, critics argue the primary motivation is the control of global energy markets.
Global Backlash and the new world order
The international response to the U.S. actions has been swift and largely critical. Major powers, including Russia, China, and the European Union, have formally condemned the operation as a violation of international law. Social media analysts and geopolitical experts have expressed concern that this sets a “New World Order” where powerful nations like the U.S., China, or Russia can abduct foreign heads of state without consequence. As Vice President Delcy Rodríguez takes over as acting president in Caracas, the country remains in a state of mourning and instability, with the long-term impact of Trump’s foreign policy yet to be fully realized.