A nationwide Reuters/Ipsos poll concluded Monday reveals that only one in three Americans support the recent U.S. military strike in Venezuela that led to the ousting of President Nicolas Maduro, while many express concerns over the potential for excessive U.S. involvement in the country.
According to the two-day survey, support for the military intervention splits sharply along party lines. Sixty-five percent of Republicans back the operation ordered by President Donald Trump, compared to just 11% of Democrats and 23% of independents.
The military raid, which took place early Saturday in Caracas, resulted in the capture of Maduro, who has since been handed over to U.S. federal authorities to face charges related to alleged drug trafficking.
This assertive move—a shift from President Trump’s previous criticism of American foreign entanglements—accompanied his bold statement that the U.S. would now “run” Venezuela. The operation also appears to signal a pivot from recent administration messaging focused on domestic economic priorities ahead of pivotal midterm elections.
The poll found that 43% of Republicans agreed with a statement advocating for the U.S. to dictate affairs in the Americas, in contrast with 19% who disagreed; the remainder were unsure or did not respond. Meanwhile, 60% of Republicans said they supported dispatching U.S. troops to be stationed in Venezuela, compared to 30% of Americans overall. A similar proportion—59% of Republican respondents—backed U.S. control of Venezuelan oil fields.
Despite widespread Republican backing for U.S. intervention, the poll also found Republican voters are divided over possible consequences: 54% voiced concern over the U.S. becoming too involved in Venezuela, and the same proportion worried about the potential financial burden. 64% were apprehensive about the risks to American military personnel.
Details on Trump’s plans for managing Venezuela remain unclear. In comments delivered Sunday, he hinted at U.S. control over the country being enforced through intimidation of its leaders rather than direct governance, warning that further strikes could occur if Venezuelan officials stray from the U.S. interest.
The same poll, which surveyed 1,248 U.S. adults online with a 3-point margin of error, put Trump’s approval rating at 42%, the highest since October and up from 39% in December.
Meanwhile, Maduro pleaded not guilty in a U.S. court to charges of narcotics trafficking, with his wife Cilia Flores also pleading not guilty. The next hearing is set for March 17.
Maduro faces four criminal counts, including narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices. He has consistently denied the charges, characterizing them as cover for U.S. ambitions over Venezuela’s oil wealth.
