The United States has been plunged into a severe domestic political and constitutional crisis following an unprecedented military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The event, which took place on January 5, 2026, has triggered fierce backlash and deep divisions within the American government, overshadowing the international ramifications of the act itself.
Operation and Immediate Fallout in Washington
According to reports, the operation that led to Maduro's apprehension was conducted without the knowledge or approval of the US Congress. This has infuriated Democratic lawmakers, who accuse the administration of overstepping its authority and bypassing constitutional protocols. The secrecy surrounding the mission has become a central point of contention, with accusations flying that the legislative branch was deliberately kept in the dark.
In a dramatic escalation, several Democratic members of Congress are now not only calling for investigations but actively demanding the impeachment of President Donald Trump over the operation. Some have gone even further, suggesting the potential invocation of the Twenty Fifth Amendment, a constitutional provision dealing with presidential succession and disability, hinting at a belief that the President has acted irresponsibly.
A Divided Republican Response
The reaction from the Republican party is far from unified, revealing a significant split within the MAGA movement and the GOP establishment. While key party leaders have publicly praised the bold operation and the capture of a long-standing adversary, others within the party's ranks have expressed open scepticism and concern.
This internal division highlights the complex political calculus at play, balancing national security assertions against the risks of prolonged foreign entanglement and constitutional overreach. Meanwhile, President Trump has declared that the United States will temporarily assume the administration of Venezuela, a statement that has added fuel to the fiery domestic debate.
Legal and International Ramifications
Nicolás Maduro now faces a series of charges in the United States, setting the stage for a historic and highly politicised legal proceeding. The operation has also drawn sharp reactions from global powers. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has reportedly warned the US against "acting like the world's police," while analysts suggest China's substantial financial investments in Venezuela are a key concern.
Furthermore, the event has sent shockwaves through other nations with adversarial relations with Washington. Reports indicate that Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei is making contingency plans, and Ukraine's President Zelensky has drawn parallels, publicly urging Trump to pursue Russian President Vladimir Putin next.
The capture of Maduro, intended as a decisive foreign policy move, has paradoxically ignited one of the most intense constitutional and political crises in recent US history. As Democrats rally for impeachment, Republicans grapple with internal dissent, and the world watches closely, the ultimate consequences of this operation will be determined not in Caracas, but in the halls of power in Washington, D.C.
