A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that Americans are almost evenly split in their opinions on the US military operation that abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The survey reflects deep divisions along partisan lines and widespread concern about US involvement in Venezuela.

Poll Results: Public Opinion on Maduro’s Abduction

According to the poll, Americans’ views are closely divided:

• 33% support Maduro’s abduction by US forces
• 34% oppose the operation
• 32% are unsure

Support varies sharply by political affiliation. Among Republicans, 65% back the operation, compared with only 11% of Democrats and 23% of independents.

Despite mixed feelings about the raid, Americans are largely cautious about US governance or occupation of Venezuela:

• 43% oppose Washington controlling Venezuela until a new government is established
• 34% support US oversight, and 20% remain unsure
• 47% oppose stationing US troops in the country, versus 30% in favor
• 46% oppose US control over Venezuelan oil fields, with 30% supporting it

A majority, 72%, expressed concern that the US could become “too involved” in Venezuela, highlighting a broader anxiety over foreign military entanglement in Latin America.

Maduro Faces US Federal Charges

The poll coincides with Maduro’s first court appearance in New York, following his abduction in a weekend raid by US special forces. He faces multiple charges, including:

• Narcoterrorism
• Drug trafficking
• Illegal weapons possession

Maduro pleaded not guilty, asserting that he is the victim of a kidnapping. Through an interpreter, he told the federal court:

“I am still president of my country.”

If convicted, Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, his son Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra, and three others could face life imprisonment.

Delcy Rodríguez Sworn in as Interim President

Following Maduro’s capture, his Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president of Venezuela. Speaking before the National Assembly, Rodríguez denounced the abduction:

“I come with pain over the kidnapping of two heroes who are being held hostage: President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.”

Rodríguez pledged to maintain governance and stability in Venezuela, while the US administration, led by President Trump, signaled it intends to work with the interim leadership but threatened additional military action if Caracas “doesn’t behave.”

Implications for US Policy and Latin America

The poll highlights public skepticism over US intervention in Venezuela, including control of oil resources, troop deployments, and long-term occupation. Analysts note that partisan divisions will likely influence how the US government approaches Venezuela in the coming weeks.

Americans’ mixed opinions suggest that while some back strong action against Maduro’s regime, most remain wary of overreach and potential international consequences.