Venezuela’s president was removed. What now?

On January 3rd, Venezuela was attacked. It wasn’t just any attack; their president was forcibly removed, their lands were bombed, and the United States has declared that they will be running the country, by definition, making Venezuela an American colony. Many United States and Venezuelan citizens are shocked, confused, and enraged by this abrupt invasion, many see it as a good thing. However, it would help the current discourse to know the history of the country and why the actions were taken.

With hyperinflation, rampant corruption, economic mismanagement, increased migration, and a large loss of shelter, food, and life, Venezuela is facing a humanitarian crisis. The issues stems from an over-reliance on oil. Late 2014, oil prices plummeted, leading to server shortages and launched sudden hyperinflation, peaking late 2019 (345%). Soon after, in 2015, the United States began sanctioning Venezuela, targeting their access to financial markets. Additionally, political turmoil spearheaded by Nicolas Maduro, the self proclaimed president of Venezuela despite accusations of his election being rigged. Maduro ruled with an iron fist and spent irredeemable amounts of money surrounding Venezuela’s oil wealth.

Even though Mudro was a dictator, many citizens of both countries believe the United States military had no right to remove him from office. President Trump, in fact, campaigned against American intervention in foreign affairs. The “America First” president has now conducted strikes in Iran, Nigeria, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, and now Venezuela–all in 12 months. The change in ideals is only the tip of the iceberg. During a press conference concerning the issue, president trump stated “people that are standing right behind me” are going to run it. That included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth” These members of the US Government are arguably horrific picks with shady transparency policies and more than “mixed” reviews. For example, Pete Hegseth formally removed all news outlets from the pentagon in early october, 2025. Marco Rubio stated “this is our hemisphere — and President Trump will not allow our security to be threatened.”

The new leader of Venezuela has been sworn in, and even she states the “removal” of Maduro was a kidnapping. When asked if he believed this was a new wave of imperialism, Mr.Gibbons (a history teacher at BHS) replied: “Yes, absolutely.” The word “imperialism” might sound like incidents that were far in the past, however, they were still prevalent during the Regan administration. “The United States has done this countless times,” Mr.Gibbons added, “the whole reason the Trump administration is continuing it now is because of a new Monroe Doctorine…claiming ownership of the western hemisphere.”

Mr.Gibbons also believes this Venezuelan operation reminds him of the wars in Iraq during the 2000s. “It’s all about control,” he stated. While he and thousands of other Americans and Venezuelans continue to be hopeful, there’s hundreds of potential issues concerning the invasion. Protests in America and Venezuela have broken out across the country. Dina, a resident of Venezuela summed it up for BBC best: “ The “only thing that was good” about what Trump has said since Maduro’s capture… was that the US will be investing in Venezuela, which she hopes will lead to “a better economic situation” for the struggling country.”