The U.S. military operation that removed Nicolás Maduro has produced a divided public: approval depends heavily on what Americans believe the operation's motives were. Perceptions that the mission sought oil or regional dominance correlate with disapproval, while those who view it as aimed at stopping drugs and gangs tend to approve. MAGA Republicans overwhelmingly support the operation and call it a success. Most respondents say the administration has not clearly explained its plans and do not want extensive U.S. control of Venezuela.
Poll: Americans Divided Over U.S. Operation That Removed Maduro — Support Tracks Perceived Motives
The U.S. military operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power has split public opinion, and Americans' views are closely tied to what they believe the United States' objectives were and what will happen next.
Many respondents say they think the Trump administration sought access to Venezuela's oil and to expand U.S. influence in the region; when those aims are seen as major drivers, disapproval is more likely. By contrast, people who view the mission as primarily aimed at stopping drug flows, disrupting gangs and countering terrorists are more likely to approve.
Why Motives Matter
Perceptions of motive strongly shape approval. When the operation is framed around national security goals—stopping drugs or fighting organized crime—support rises. When it is framed as seeking oil or regional dominance, support declines. A majority of respondents say the administration has not clearly explained its plans regarding Venezuela, which contributes to mixed public reactions.
MAGA Republicans Stand Out
Support is highest among Republicans, especially MAGA-aligned voters. MAGA supporters are more likely than other groups to call the operation a military success and to believe it will strengthen the U.S. position globally, reduce drug flows and encourage regional cooperation. That group also previously supported U.S. military action such as last summer's bombing in Iran.
How the Public Sees What Comes Next
Americans are uncertain about what will follow. Those who expect limited U.S. involvement going forward tend to approve of the operation; those who foresee prolonged engagement tend to disapprove. Overall, most respondents do not want the United States to exercise extensive control over Venezuela, and most oppose additional military action if Venezuela or neighboring governments are deemed uncooperative—though Republicans, particularly the MAGA base, are more likely to support further action.
Political and Regional Reactions
Somewhat more people approve of the specific operation that removed Maduro than approve of the president's broader handling of the Venezuela situation; the president's overall approval remains roughly unchanged since before the operation. Hispanics are divided in proportions similar to the public at large, and independents are slightly more likely to approve of removing Maduro than to approve of the president overall.
Congressional Role and Legal Authority
Most Americans continue to believe Congress would need to approve any further military action in Venezuela, the same view held before the operation. That view underscores public expectations about checks on executive military power.
Survey Details
This CBS News/YouGov survey interviewed a nationally representative sample of 2,325 U.S. adults between January 5 and January 7, 2026. The sample was weighted to match the adult population by gender, age, race and education using the U.S. Census American Community Survey and the Current Population Survey, and by 2024 presidential vote. The margin of sampling error is ±2.4 percentage points.
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