do venezuelans like their president

Quick Scoop

Do Venezuelans Like Their President?

The question of whether Venezuelans like their president has taken a dramatic turn in recent days with unprecedented developments. As of January 3, 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was reportedly captured by the United States in a large-scale operation in Caracas, creating a whirlwind of reactions throughout Venezuela and the global Venezuelan diaspora. The sentiment toward Maduro among Venezuelans has historically been deeply polarized, and these recent events have only intensified the divisions.

Following news of Maduro's capture, reactions among Venezuelans have ranged from fear and anxiety to joy and hope. Some Venezuelans celebrated the possibility of change and freedom, while others expressed concern about foreign intervention and the uncertain future ahead. A local shopkeeper in Caracas told Reuters that Venezuelans are now "in God's hands," reflecting the profound uncertainty gripping the nation.

The Divided Response

The capture has revealed just how fractured Venezuelan public opinion remains regarding their leadership. The Venezuelan diaspora abroad has been celebrating Maduro's deposition, with many expressing hope that they might return to "a free Venezuela". However, within Venezuela itself, the response is more complicated and nuanced.

Delcy Rodríguez, who served as vice president under Maduro, addressed the nation shortly after President Trump's announcement and called the U.S. action an "unlawful aggression," referring to Maduro as Venezuela's "only president". She appeared alongside Venezuela's National Defense Council, including the defense minister, attorney general, and legislative leaders, demonstrating that Maduro still has significant support among government officials and loyalists.

Historical Context of Public Opinion

Public sentiment toward Maduro has been overwhelmingly negative for years among many Venezuelans, particularly those who have fled the country during the ongoing economic and political crisis. Forum discussions on platforms like Reddit show Venezuelans expressing frustration with Maduro's government, with some even supporting foreign intervention to remove him from power. However, there are also Venezuelans who oppose foreign interference regardless of their feelings about Maduro, viewing it as a violation of national sovereignty.

The deep divisions within Venezuelan society reflect not just opinions about Maduro himself, but broader ideological splits about the country's future, the legacy of Chavismo, and the role of foreign powers in domestic affairs.

Current Uncertainty

The situation remains highly fluid as of early January 2026. President Trump has stated that the United States would "run" Venezuela and oversee a political transition, while Venezuelan officials loyal to Maduro have pushed back against this narrative. The coming days and weeks will likely determine whether Maduro's capture leads to genuine political change or further instability in the already troubled nation.

TLDR: Venezuelan opinion on President Maduro is deeply divided. Following his reported capture by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, reactions range from celebration among diaspora communities to anxiety and defiance among government loyalists. Historically, many Venezuelans—especially those who fled the country—oppose Maduro, while others reject foreign intervention on principle. The nation faces profound uncertainty about its political future. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.