The Washington Post editorial board praised the operation President Donald Trump authorized to seize former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, calling the move "Justice in Venezuela" and describing it as a major tactical success.
"Millions of people around the world, most of all in Venezuela, are celebrating the downfall of the dictator Nicolás Maduro," the editorial wrote, calling the decision to capture him "one of the boldest moves a president has made in years," and describing the mission as "an unquestionable tactical success."
The piece emphasized the geopolitical implications of Maduro's removal. It noted that just hours before his capture he had held a friendly meeting with Chinese officials and that his regime had been sustained by support from Russia, Cuba and Iran. The Post argued that many Venezuelans will remember who backed their oppressor and who helped effect his removal.
"This is a major victory for American interests," the editorial stated, adding that Maduro's end will be incomplete if it does not also reduce the influence of American adversaries in the hemisphere.
The editorial contrasted the operation with what it characterized as a softer approach from President Joe Biden, arguing that Mr. Biden's earlier offer of sanctions relief had been met by what the Post described as Maduro's election-stealing. The board wrote that the capture sends a message to authoritarian leaders that the United States can and will follow through on tough actions.
At the same time, the Post acknowledged risks. It warned that "several bad outcomes remain distinct possibilities," including the rise of another anti-American autocrat or a descent into total chaos. The editorial urged caution and attention to the difficult political and humanitarian challenges ahead.
Still, the editorial closed on an optimistic note: "With tough decisions coming and many obstacles ahead, it's fair to look forward. Yet it's also fair to celebrate." The board concluded that Maduro—"for years a symbol of the false warmth of Latin American collectivism"—should "spend the rest of his life in a humane American prison," calling his downfall "good news."
Context: The Washington Post's editorial reflects a strong, supportive view of the operation and highlights the broader geopolitical ramifications for U.S. influence in the region. It balances praise with explicit concerns about potential instability and the need for careful follow-up policy.
Originally published on Mediaite.
