TLDR News Global
June 20, 2026
TL;DR
Trump's initial military intervention in Venezuela to remove Maduro was popular, but his approval has plummeted from 92% to 47% as the replacement government fails to deliver economic reforms and most oil revenues bypass ordinary Venezuelans.
“What we did in Venezuela, I think, is the perfect the perfect scenario.”
— Donald Trump (to New York Times)
“I have to be involved in the next appointment like with Deli in Venezuela.”
— Donald Trump (to Axios)
“I'm polling higher than anybody has ever pled in Venezuela. So after I'm finished with this, I can go to Venezuela. I will quickly learn Spanish. It won't take too long.”
— Donald Trump
1. Trump's Venezuela Template and Iran Ambitions
Trump repeatedly cited his Venezuela operation as a model for regime change in Iran, telling media outlets it was 'the perfect scenario' and threatening to seize Iranian oil infrastructure. However, Trump ultimately backtracked on these threats after Iran's regime consolidated power.
2. Why Venezuela Initially Supported the Intervention
Maduro's 13-year rule devastated Venezuela—GDP collapsed 90%, hyperinflation hit 350,000%, and 7.9 million fled the country. Polls showed over 50% support for the operation against Maduro, and Trump's approval reached 92% as Venezuelans expected political and economic improvement.
3. The Transition Under Deli Rodriguez
After extracting Maduro without US casualties, Trump installed Deli Rodriguez as the new leader. She initially released political prisoners and purged Maduro loyalists, earning praise. However, progress stalled as she filled new cabinet positions with her own allies instead of reformers.
4. Failed Economic Reform and Missing Oil Revenues
Despite oil production surging from 900,000 to 1.3 million barrels daily and revenues up 70%, Venezuela's economy remains stagnant with 500% annual inflation. Under the Trump-Deli agreement, most oil money flows to the US Treasury, which has only returned $500 million to Venezuela.
5. Collapse in Trump's Venezuelan Popularity
Trump's approval rating plummeted from 92% to 47% by May 2025 as Venezuelans realized promised reforms weren't materializing and oil wealth wasn't benefiting ordinary citizens. Without meaningful US attention to Venezuela's political and economic recovery, further deterioration is likely.