Sun Jan 04 03:12:13 UTC 2026: ## Trump’s Venezuela Gambit: Republicans Divided Over Maduro’s Abduction

Washington D.C. – President Trump’s recent move to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has ignited a firestorm of debate, even within his own Republican party. While many right-wing lawmakers are praising the action as a victory against a “drug caliphate,” others are decrying the prospect of another endless war and questioning the constitutionality of the intervention.

Senator Lindsey Graham lauded Trump as the “GOAT” of American presidents for initiating the “liberation of Venezuela,” echoing a sentiment shared by other foreign policy hawks who see Maduro as a threat to national security due to alleged drug trafficking. Former Congressman Matt Gaetz even poked fun at Maduro’s capture, referencing the notorious El Salvadorian prison CECOT.

However, the move has also sparked criticism from within the “Make America Great Again” wing of the Republican party, who championed Trump’s initial promise to focus on domestic issues and avoid foreign entanglements. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Trump ally, slammed the action as another example of Washington’s “never-ending military aggression” and questioned the logic of regime change based on drug trafficking claims. She pointed out that Venezuela is not a major fentanyl exporter, while Trump recently pardoned a convicted Honduran drug trafficker.

Libertarian Senator Rand Paul expressed “muted disapproval,” highlighting the need for Congressional authorization for military action, while Senator Mike Lee initially questioned the legality of the intervention before later stating that Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured him the action was a legal arrest under Article II of the Constitution.

Congressman Tomas Massie warned of the potential for a “miniature Afghanistan in the Western Hemisphere,” highlighting the potential for a refugee crisis and the vast amount of American treasure that could be spent on rebuilding the nation.

The long-term consequences of Trump’s action remain uncertain, with many drawing parallels to the Iraq War and questioning the wisdom of interventionist foreign policy. With the fog of war still hanging over Venezuela, the question remains: will Trump’s gambit be a short-term victory or the beginning of another costly and protracted conflict?

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