The Washington Post has written a new article praising President Donald Trump’s military strike in Venezuela. They called it an “unquestionable tactical success.” This is surprising because the newspaper is often critical of the President. The mission, called Operation Absolute Resolve, happened on January 3, 2026. U.S. forces captured Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Many experts say this was a very bold move. The newspaper says the operation shows that the U.S. military is still the most powerful in the world.
Major Endorsement from a Leading U.S. Newspaper
The article, titled “Justice in Venezuela,” says the mission was planned perfectly. It involved a huge team with more than 150 aircraft, including F-22 and F-35 fighter jets. The U.S. also used “cyberattacks” to shut down Venezuela’s electricity and air defenses so the planes could fly in safely.
The Post pointed out that the mission was successful because no American soldiers died. By removing Maduro—who many say stole the 2024 election—the newspaper believes Trump has shown that the U.S. will not let leaders like him stay in power.
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Contrasting Media Opinion: Post vs. New York Times
Not everyone agrees with The Washington Post. The New York Times wrote a very different article, calling the mission “illegal and unwise.” They are worried that the President did not ask Congress for permission first.
The Two Different Views:
| Newspaper | Their Main Point |
| The Washington Post | A brave move that removed a dictator and showed American strength. |
| The New York Times | A violation of the law that could start a long war and cause more problems. |
What Happens Next for Venezuela?
Now that Maduro is gone, the world is waiting to see who will lead Venezuela. Many hope María Corina Machado, a famous leader who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, will take over. But there are still many risks:
- Maduro in Court: Maduro and his wife are now in New York. They will face trial for drug crimes.
- Oil Industry: Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves (over 300 billion barrels). Trump wants U.S. companies to spend billions to fix the broken oil pipes and machines.
- The People: The U.S. government must explain to American citizens why this mission was necessary and how much it will cost.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
The praise from the Post is helping the White House defend its choice. Some Republican leaders are happy about the victory. However, many Democrats are worried. They are talking about the “Pottery Barn rule,” which means “if you break it, you own it.”
Because Trump says the U.S. will “run the country” for a while, people are worried about what happens next. They are looking at Venezuela’s oil and wondering how long American soldiers will have to stay there.
Disclamer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.