Today, Saturday, January 3, 2026, the United States removed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Moros from power, as reported by numerous news sources, including an article on The Hill. 1
Below is a photo of Maduro from a U.S. State Department August 7, 2025, online Wanted Poster.
More information about Maduro is on the U.S. Department of State webpage 2 with the Wanted Poster.
My View
As I see it, Maduro was an illegitimate ruler and removing him was appropriate. He apparently lost the 2018 election, and numerous countries refused to recognize him as Venezuela's president.
It would have been great if he'd voluntarily stepped down or been removed in some manner by a massive international force.
However, it is at best questionable whether United States President Donald John Trump had the authority to order unilateral U.S. action to remove Maduro.
Closing Thoughts
For better or worse, the United Nations lacks its own military force. Furthermore, any one of the five nations that are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council can veto a proposed action.
Since the UN lacks its own military, it's common practice, for better or worse, for nations with powerful militaries like the United States and Russia to take unilateral action.
Many in many countries called for Maduro's ouster. President Trump took action.
Whether in violation of the U.S. Constitution and international law or not, Trump ordered it, and it was done.
Let's hope the U.S. will now seek to help establish a quality legitimate government in Venezuela to run the country. Time will tell how it works out.
ENDNOTES:
1 Timotija, Filip; "Trump Says Maduro Captured, Flown Out As U.S. Military Conducts 'Large Scale' Strike"; The Hill; 5:12 a.m. ET, January 3, 2026; webpage accessed January 3, 2026; https://thehill.com/homenews/5670708-trump-captures-maduro-us-venezuela-strikes/
2 "Nicolas Maduro Moros"; U.S. Department of State; August 7, 2025; webpage accessed January 3, 2026; https://www.state.gov/nicolas-maduro-moros
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