Democratic Pollsters Back Trump’s Venezuela Operation but Urge Caution on Leadership Transition
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two prominent Democratic pollsters, Douglas Schoen and Robert Green, have voiced support for former President Donald Trump’s military operation to oust Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, while cautioning against the installation of Maduro loyalist Delcy Rodríguez as the country’s interim leader. Their endorsement comes amid widespread criticism from many Democrats who opposed the extraction plan, arguing that Congress should have been consulted prior to the military action.
In an opinion piece published on January 5, 2026, Schoen and Green praised the extraordinary skill and courage of the U.S. military forces involved in the operation, noting that “no other military in the world except ours could have pulled this off.” They emphasized that Maduro’s regime was a uniquely destructive force, responsible for extensive human rights abuses, election fraud, and the exile of millions of Venezuelans. The authors also highlighted Maduro’s alliances with authoritarian leaders such as Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and the Cuban communist government, which posed significant challenges to U.S. interests.
“Maduro was not a legitimately elected leader,” Schoen and Green wrote, referencing the widely condemned 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, which Maduro reportedly stole amid violence and imprisonment of opposition figures. The Biden administration’s earlier decision to loosen sanctions in hopes of encouraging Maduro’s departure had failed, they noted, underscoring the necessity of the military intervention.
Despite their support for the removal of Maduro, the pollsters expressed concern about the transitional strategy favored by some factions, particularly the proposal to install Delcy Rodríguez, a close Maduro ally, as Venezuela’s interim leader. They warned that such a move risks entrenching loyalists in power and undermining efforts to promote democracy and human rights.
“We must promote a smooth transition to democracy and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people,” they urged, advocating for a governance plan that avoids the pitfalls of commercial interests overshadowing democratic goals. Their stance echoes the cautionary advice of the late Senator Sam Nunn, who supported similar interventions but warned against becoming a permanent occupying force.
The operation to remove Maduro has stirred intense debate across the political spectrum. Many Democrats have criticized the Trump administration for bypassing Congress, while Republicans have largely supported the decisive action. The Department of Defense has lauded the precision and effectiveness of the mission, and the U.S. Department of State continues to engage with international partners to support Venezuela’s democratic transition.
Meanwhile, concerns remain about the stability of Venezuela’s future government. The U.S. Agency for International Development has emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid and institutional rebuilding to address the country’s ongoing crises. Observers warn that any leadership perceived as a continuation of Maduro’s regime could jeopardize these efforts.
As the situation unfolds, Schoen and Green’s nuanced position highlights a rare bipartisan acknowledgment of the complexities involved in Venezuela’s future. Their call for a carefully managed transition underscores the delicate balance between decisive action and sustainable governance in a nation long plagued by authoritarian rule and economic collapse.
Leave a Reply