US Seizes Maduro, Rubio takes Control of Venezuela
NEWS & RESEARCH
On January 3, 2026, President Trump ordered a military strike on Venezuela without Congressional approval, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Maduro faces a criminal trial in the U.S. Maduro’s vice president Delcy Rodriguez succeeded Maduro on an acting basis but, in reality, reports to her “viceroy,” US Sec. of State Marco Rubio, who “runs Venezuela from Washington.” President Trump told the New York Times he expects the US will run Venezuela for years and suggested that Venezuela could become the 51st state.
SOURCES: NPR | New York Times | New York Times
ANALYSIS & OPINION
Legal experts and international bodies have widely condemned the Maduro operation as an illegal invasion and kidnapping.
Constitutional Overreach: The Brennan Center characterized the move as an "unprecedented usurpation" of Congress’s war powers.
International Law: Experts argue the assault violates the UN Charter. Harvard Law professor Ziyad Motala described the incident as a "forcible seizure of a sitting head of state" with "no foothold in international law."
As for Rubio running Venezuela, the New York Times explains: “The U.S. Treasury receives the revenue from most of Venezuela’s exports, then disburses it gradually to Venezuela through the country’s private banks, a relationship akin to parents handing out allowances to children. Mr. Rubio and his team set the conditions on what that money can be spent on, and by whom.”
SOURCES: Brennan Center | The Guardian | Al Jazeera
HOW TO FIX IT
Congressional action to restore constitutional checks and balances:
Pass the Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act to defund any military force in the region not authorized by Congress.
Reintroduce a war powers resolution specifically requiring explicit Congressional approval for ongoing or future military actions in Venezuela.
Congress should pass the Venezuela Democratic Transition Act, providing for internationally monitored free elections in Venezuela in 2026 and a return to Venezuelan sovereignty.
Legislation: S.3344 - Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025 | S.4809 - Venezuela Democratic Transition Act
