Majority of Latin Americans Endorsed Trump’s Intervention In Venezuela, Polls Show

Following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro in early January 2026, polls revealed that a majority of Latin Americans in several countries, including Peru, Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Panama, endorsed the intervention. This support, despite historical resentment towards U.S. meddling, suggests a shift towards pragmatism due to widespread discontent with Maduro's authoritarian rule. While some, particularly in Mexico, criticized the action as American imperialism, overall regional leaders tempered their responses to avoid conflict with the U.S. government. The left's struggle to mobilize against Maduro's removal further softened divisions, indicating a temporary eclipse of traditional ideological loyalties in favor of removing a reviled leader.

In January 2026, a U.S. raid led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, sparking varied reactions across Latin America. Despite historical resentment towards U.S. intervention, polls indicated that a majority of citizens in Peru, Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Panama approved of the action. This endorsement reflects a shift towards pragmatism over traditional ideological loyalties, driven by widespread disapproval of Maduro's authoritarian rule. While some, particularly in Mexico, protested the intervention as American imperialism, overall regional leaders tempered their responses to avoid conflict with the U.S. president. The left's struggle to mobilize against Maduro's capture further softened opposition to the U.S. intervention.