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Delcy Rodríguez Navigates US Oil Deal and Chavista Loyalty After Maduro Ouster

Updated (301 articles)
  • Donald Trump, Delcy Rodriguez and Nicolas Maduro
    Donald Trump, Delcy Rodriguez and Nicolas Maduro
    Image: BBC
    Donald Trump, Delcy Rodriguez and Nicolas Maduro (BBC) Source Full size
  • Images of Maduro and Flores were illuminated above Caracas
    Images of Maduro and Flores were illuminated above Caracas
    Image: BBC
    Images of Maduro and Flores were illuminated above Caracas (Government of Caracas) Source Full size
  • Rodríguez with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright
    Rodríguez with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright
    Image: BBC
    Rodríguez with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright (Reuters) Source Full size
  • Leonardo Arca (second from the right) protesting in Caracas
    Leonardo Arca (second from the right) protesting in Caracas
    Image: BBC
    Leonardo Arca (second from the right) protesting in Caracas Source Full size
  • Diosdado Cabello commands a great deal of power
    Diosdado Cabello commands a great deal of power
    Image: BBC
    Diosdado Cabello commands a great deal of power (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • Police officers stand guard during a protest
    Police officers stand guard during a protest
    Image: BBC
    Police officers stand guard during a protest (Reuters) Source Full size

US Lightning Operation Forces Maduro Out On 3 January 2026 the United States carried out a “lightning operation” that expelled President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores from Venezuela, sending them to Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center where they face drug‑trafficking charges they deny [1]. The raid marked the first direct removal of a sitting Venezuelan leader by foreign forces in decades. Maduro’s removal created an immediate power vacuum that the Chavista establishment moved quickly to fill.

Delcy Rodríguez Assumes Acting Presidency Acting president Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime Maduro loyalist, stepped into the role, installing a cabinet of technocrats and passing legislation that permits U.S. oil firms to operate in Venezuelan fields [1]. She also ordered the release of several political prisoners, a move the opposition attributes to U.S. pressure. Rodríguez’s reforms are limited, signaling pragmatic governance rather than systemic change.

Trump Offers Venezuelan Oil and Praises Rodríguez President Donald Trump announced a proposal to purchase up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil and pledged to manage the proceeds, presenting the deal as a lifeline for Venezuela’s collapsing economy [1]. Trump publicly described Rodríguez as “a wonderful person” and highlighted their cooperation. The offer ties U.S. strategic interests to Venezuela’s oil sector while sidestepping broader political reforms.

Rodríguez Meets CIA Director Amid Diplomatic Tightrope On 16 January 2026 Rodríguez delivered an anti‑imperialist speech to the National Assembly before meeting CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Caracas, underscoring the delicate balance between appeasing the United States and maintaining Chavista rhetoric [1]. The meeting signaled a pragmatic engagement with U.S. intelligence despite public denunciations of imperialism. It also reinforced Trump’s public commendation of Rodríguez.

Economic Crisis Persists Despite Prospective US Investment Venezuela continues to suffer the world’s highest inflation, with 86 % of the population living in poverty in 2024 and a basic food basket projected to cost $526.83 in 2025 [1]. While the promised U.S. oil investment offers potential relief, analysts note that focusing solely on oil may not translate into broader economic recovery. The immediate impact of the deal on inflation and poverty remains unclear.

Cabello Remains Key Power Broker Military strongman Diosdado Cabello, who commands the armed forces, national guard, and “colectivos” paramilitary groups, retains a $25 million U.S. bounty and is essential to Rodríguez’s political calculus [1]. Rodríguez must keep Cabello satisfied to preserve internal security and attract foreign investors. His influence underscores the continued dominance of the military‑political elite in Venezuelan governance.

Sources

Primary Data (3)

Quinnipac: Voters Give Democrats In Congress A Record Low Job Approval But Still Might Vote For Them In 2026, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; Majority Think Trump’S Use Of Presidential Power Goes Too Far

Published (49 tables/charts)

  • 1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as president?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 40% 85% 2% 35% 46% 34%
    Disapprove 54 9 95 58 48 59
    DK/NA 6 5 3 8 6 7
    Source

  • 1a. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as president? COMBINED WITH: (If approve/disapprove q1) Do you strongly or somewhat approve/disapprove?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve strongly 31% 72% - 23% 36% 26%
    Approve smwht 8 13 2 11 10 7
    Disapprove smwht 5 4 3 6 6 4
    Disapprove strongly 49 5 92 52 41 55
    DK/NA 7 6 3 8 7 7
    Source

  • 2. Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Democrats in Congress are handling their job?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 18% 4% 42% 15% 15% 21%
    Disapprove 73 93 48 76 77 69
    DK/NA 9 3 9 9 8 10
    Source

  • 3. Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Republicans in Congress are handling their job?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 35% 77% 4% 26% 40% 31%
    Disapprove 58 18 92 66 53 63
    DK/NA 7 5 4 9 7 7
    Source

  • 4. If the election were today, would you want to see the Republican Party or the Democratic Party win control of the United States House of Representatives?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Republican Party 43% 92% 2% 38% 49% 38%
    Democratic Party 47 5 95 46 40 53
    DK/NA 10 2 3 16 12 9
    Source

  • 5. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is handling his job as Secretary of Health and Human Services?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 39% 75% 6% 36% 44% 34%
    Disapprove 53 17 90 54 48 58
    DK/NA 8 8 4 10 8 8
    Source

  • 6. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Kash Patel is handling his job as Director of the FBI?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 35% 68% 5% 32% 39% 31%
    Disapprove 51 19 82 55 52 50
    DK/NA 14 13 14 13 9 19
    Source

  • 7. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Pam Bondi is handling her job as United States Attorney General?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 31% 63% 6% 27% 35% 28%
    Disapprove 51 20 82 51 52 49
    DK/NA 18 18 12 22 13 23
    Source

  • 8. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Pete Hegseth is handling his job as Secretary of Defense?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 38% 76% 4% 34% 44% 32%
    Disapprove 49 10 85 52 44 53
    DK/NA 14 14 10 14 11 16
    Source

  • 9. In general, how satisfied are you with the way things are going in the nation today; are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very satisfied 13% 30% 1% 7% 16% 9%
    Smwht satisfied 26 49 6 26 29 24
    Smwht dissatisfied 15 9 13 19 18 12
    Very dissatisfied 45 11 79 46 36 53
    DK/NA 2 2 1 1 2 2
    Source

  • 10. In your opinion, what is the most urgent issue facing the country today: the economy, climate change, health care, immigration, abortion, racial inequality, crime, preserving democracy in the United States, international conflicts, or gun violence?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Economy 24% 28% 14% 28% 29% 19%
    Climate change 2 - 4 2 2 2
    Health care 10 7 12 10 8 11
    Immigration 18 32 10 13 17 18
    Abortion 2 5 - 1 2 1
    Racial inequality 3 1 5 4 3 3
    Crime 7 12 3 8 7 8
    Preserving democracy 24 9 40 24 21 26
    Intl conflicts 3 2 3 3 3 2
    Gun violence 3 2 6 2 2 4
    SOMETHING ELSE(VOL) 4 2 1 5 5 3
    DK/NA 2 1 2 1 1 2
    Source

  • 11. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - the economy?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 40% 85% 3% 34% 46% 34%
    Disapprove 57 12 96 63 50 63
    DK/NA 3 4 1 3 4 2
    Source

  • 12. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - the military?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 46% 92% 6% 41% 53% 39%
    Disapprove 51 6 92 54 44 56
    DK/NA 4 2 2 5 3 5
    Source

  • 13. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - the Russia - Ukraine war?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 35% 74% 2% 31% 40% 30%
    Disapprove 55 14 92 60 50 59
    DK/NA 10 12 5 10 9 10
    Source

  • 14. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - foreign policy?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 41% 84% 3% 37% 49% 33%
    Disapprove 54 8 95 58 47 60
    DK/NA 6 7 2 5 4 7
    Source

  • 15. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - deportations?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 42% 85% 3% 39% 49% 35%
    Disapprove 55 13 96 58 48 62
    DK/NA 3 2 1 4 3 3
    Source

  • 16. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - trade?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 40% 80% 3% 38% 47% 34%
    Disapprove 55 15 94 56 48 61
    DK/NA 5 5 3 5 5 5
    Source

  • 17. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - immigration issues?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 44% 87% 4% 41% 51% 37%
    Disapprove 54 11 94 57 47 61
    DK/NA 2 2 2 2 3 2
    Source

  • 18. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling - health care?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 34% 72% 3% 28% 41% 27%
    Disapprove 59 17 95 63 52 65
    DK/NA 7 11 2 9 7 8
    Source

  • 19. Who do you think is more responsible for the current state of the economy: Joe Biden or Donald Trump?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Biden 34% 60% 11% 32% 33% 34%
    Trump 57 32 84 58 54 59
    DK/NA 10 8 5 10 13 7
    Source

  • 20. When it comes to using the power of the presidency, do you think Donald Trump is going too far, isn't going far enough, or is handling it about right?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Too far 54% 11% 96% 59% 47% 61%
    Not far enough 7 10 1 7 9 5
    About right 37 77 2 33 42 33
    DK/NA 2 1 1 1 2 2
    Source

  • 21. Which political party do you think can do a better job of handling - health care; the Democratic party or the Republican party?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Democratic Party 51% 11% 91% 55% 46% 57%
    Republican Party 37 82 4 27 42 32
    NO DIFF (VOL) 6 2 1 9 5 6
    DK/NA 6 5 3 9 7 6
    Source

  • 22. Which political party do you think can do a better job of handling - the economy; the Democratic party or the Republican party?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Democratic Party 41% 5% 88% 37% 35% 47%
    Republican Party 46 93 4 43 50 42
    NO DIFF (VOL) 7 2 3 10 6 7
    DK/NA 6 1 4 9 8 4
    Source

  • 23. Which political party do you think can do a better job of handling - immigration; the Democratic party or the Republican party?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Democratic Party 42% 5% 88% 38% 34% 48%
    Republican Party 47 92 8 43 53 42
    NO DIFF (VOL) 7 1 2 12 6 8
    DK/NA 5 2 2 6 7 2
    Source

  • 24. Which political party do you think can do a better job of preserving democracy in the United States; the Democratic party or the Republican party?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Democratic Party 49% 11% 92% 50% 42% 56%
    Republican Party 40 84 5 34 45 36
    NO DIFF (VOL) 5 1 1 9 4 5
    DK/NA 6 4 2 7 9 3
    Source

  • 25. Which political party do you think is more in touch with the concerns of most people in the United States; the Democratic party or the Republican party?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Democratic Party 44% 6% 89% 44% 38% 50%
    Republican Party 42 86 4 38 46 39
    NO DIFF (VOL) 7 5 4 8 9 5
    DK/NA 7 3 3 10 8 6
    Source

  • 26. How confident are you in Pete Hegseth's leadership of the U.S. military; very confident, somewhat confident, not so confident, or not confident at all?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very confident 25% 56% 2% 20% 31% 20%
    Somewhat confident 20 26 14 21 19 21
    Not so confident 7 1 8 12 7 8
    Not confident at all 40 6 73 42 36 44
    DK/NA 7 11 3 5 7 8
    Source

  • 27. How confident are you in vaccine information cited by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; very confident, somewhat confident, not so confident, or not confident at all?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very confident 17% 36% - 16% 21% 14%
    Somewhat confident 23 42 8 21 23 22
    Not so confident 10 8 10 11 13 8
    Not confident at all 47 9 79 51 39 53
    DK/NA 3 5 3 2 4 2
    Source

  • 28. Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Trump administration is handling the Jeffrey Epstein files?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 26% 55% 3% 22% 28% 24%
    Disapprove 65 29 94 71 63 67
    DK/NA 9 16 3 7 9 8
    Source

  • 29. The Supreme Court ruled in 1898 that under the U.S. Constitution anyone born in the United States is a U.S. citizen, regardless of their parents' citizenship. Do you think the court should keep that ruling in place, or reverse it?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Keep 70% 43% 96% 75% 66% 74%
    Reverse 24 50 3 20 26 21
    DK/NA 6 7 1 5 8 4
    Source

  • 30. If you had to choose, which would you prefer: giving most undocumented immigrants in the United States a pathway to legal status or deporting most undocumented immigrants in the United States?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Giving pathway 57% 20% 90% 62% 52% 62%
    Deporting 35 71 6 30 40 30
    DK/NA 8 9 4 7 8 8
    Source

  • 31. In its treatment of undocumented immigrants in the United States, do you think the Trump administration is being: too harsh, too lenient, or handling this about right?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Too harsh 55% 11% 95% 61% 48% 62%
    Too lenient 6 13 - 6 9 5
    About right 36 74 5 32 42 31
    DK/NA 2 2 - 1 2 2
    Source

  • 32. Would you describe the state of the nation's economy these days as excellent, good, not so good, or poor?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Excellent 3% 8% - 1% 3% 2%
    Good 31 56 11 27 35 27
    Not so good 35 27 47 35 37 33
    Poor 30 7 42 35 24 37
    DK/NA 2 1 - 2 2 1
    Source

  • 33. Do you think the nation's economy is getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Better 30% 66% 1% 24% 37% 24%
    Worse 48 11 84 50 40 57
    The same 21 23 15 26 23 19
    DK/NA 1 1 1 - 1 1
    Source

  • 34. Would you describe your financial situation these days as excellent, good, not so good, or poor?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Excellent 15% 21% 13% 13% 15% 15%
    Good 51 59 50 48 56 47
    Not so good 21 11 28 25 20 23
    Poor 11 7 9 13 9 13
    DK/NA 2 1 1 1 1 3
    Source

  • 35. Do you think Donald Trump's policies are helping the nation's economy, hurting the nation's economy, or aren't making much of a difference?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Helping 36% 79% - 30% 42% 30%
    Hurting 50 8 92 51 42 56
    No difference 12 10 8 16 13 12
    DK/NA 3 2 - 3 3 2
    Source

  • 36. Do you think Donald Trump's policies are helping your personal financial situation, hurting your personal financial situation, or aren't making much of a difference?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Helping 25% 54% 3% 20% 31% 21%
    Hurting 36 5 63 40 30 41
    No difference 37 40 33 39 37 36
    DK/NA 2 1 1 1 2 2
    Source

  • 37. How serious a problem do you think the cost of living is in the United States today; a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, a not so serious problem, or not a problem at all?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very serious 64% 45% 81% 63% 62% 67%
    Smwht serious 28 39 18 31 30 27
    Not so serious 5 11 1 3 4 5
    Not a problem at all 2 3 - 2 2 1
    Source

  • 38. How easy or difficult is it for you to afford - groceries; very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, or very difficult?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very easy 26% 43% 18% 21% 27% 24%
    Somewhat easy 36 37 36 37 37 35
    Somewhat difficult 25 15 29 29 25 25
    Very difficult 12 4 17 12 10 13
    DK/NA 2 - - 1 1 2
    Source

  • 39. How easy or difficult is it for you to afford - gas; very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, or very difficult?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very easy 33% 52% 23% 29% 36% 31%
    Somewhat easy 32 28 33 37 34 31
    Somewhat difficult 21 12 26 24 20 21
    Very difficult 8 3 9 8 6 11
    DK/NA 6 5 10 2 4 7
    Source

  • 40. How easy or difficult is it for you to afford - electricity; very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, or very difficult?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very easy 33% 53% 24% 26% 33% 32%
    Somewhat easy 30 28 30 35 35 26
    Somewhat difficult 23 14 27 25 20 25
    Very difficult 11 4 17 11 10 13
    DK/NA 3 2 2 3 3 3
    Source

  • 41. How easy or difficult is it for you to afford - holiday gifts; very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, or very difficult?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very easy 22% 33% 16% 18% 25% 18%
    Somewhat easy 34 44 27 33 35 32
    Somewhat difficult 24 11 33 27 24 23
    Very difficult 18 7 23 20 12 23
    DK/NA 4 5 2 2 3 4
    Source

  • 42. How easy or difficult is it for you to afford - rent or mortgage; very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, or very difficult?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very easy 25% 40% 16% 23% 26% 24%
    Somewhat easy 30 34 27 32 30 30
    Somewhat difficult 22 12 26 26 26 19
    Very difficult 13 5 19 12 11 15
    DK/NA 10 10 11 7 8 12
    Source

  • 43. How easy or difficult is it for you to afford - health care; very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, or very difficult?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very easy 28% 46% 18% 20% 30% 26%
    Somewhat easy 31 30 30 36 31 31
    Somewhat difficult 21 14 26 24 18 23
    Very difficult 19 8 25 19 19 18
    DK/NA 2 1 2 1 2 2
    Source

  • 44. Thinking about the war between Russia and Ukraine, do you think Donald Trump is favoring Russia too much, favoring Ukraine too much, or striking about the right balance?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Favoring Russia 48% 12% 84% 51% 44% 52%
    Favoring Ukraine 3 2 3 5 4 2
    Right balance 36 71 7 31 41 31
    DK/NA 13 15 5 13 12 14
    Source

  • 45. How closely have you been following news about the U.S. military buildup and actions in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean targeting Venezuela in what the Trump administration says is a campaign to stop the flow of illegal drugs; very closely, somewhat closely, or not too closely?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very closely 42% 43% 41% 40% 49% 36%
    Somewhat closely 35 37 36 35 33 37
    Not too closely 22 18 23 25 17 26
    DK/NA 1 2 - 1 1 1
    Source

  • 46. Do you support or oppose U.S. military attacks to kill suspected drug smugglers on boats in international waters?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Support 42% 83% 6% 38% 48% 36%
    Oppose 53 14 89 57 48 59
    DK/NA 5 3 4 5 4 5
    Source

  • 47. Do you support or oppose U.S. military action inside Venezuela?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Support 25% 52% 4% 19% 31% 19%
    Oppose 63 33 89 68 59 67
    DK/NA 12 15 7 13 10 15
    Source

  • 48. Australia has a ban on social media for kids under 16 years of age. Would you like to see a similar ban in the United States, or not?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Yes/Would 61% 65% 58% 62% 57% 64%
    No 34 32 36 34 37 31
    DK/NA 5 3 6 4 6 4
    Source

Quinnipac: Trump Begins Second Term Stronger Than The First, 6 In 10 Voters Approve Of Sending U.S. Troops To Southern Border, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; Majority Disapprove Of Elon Musk’S Role In Trump Administration

Published (27 tables/charts)

  • 1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as president?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 46% 86% 8% 41% 55% 36%
    Disapprove 43 4 86 46 33 53
    DK/NA 11 10 6 13 12 11
    Source

  • 1a. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as president? COMBINED WITH: (If approve/disapprove q1) Do you strongly or somewhat approve/disapprove?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve strongly 37% 76% 3% 34% 45% 29%
    Approve smwht 8 8 5 7 10 6
    Disapprove smwht 5 1 5 8 3 6
    Disapprove strongly 38 3 80 39 29 47
    DK/NA 12 12 7 13 13 12
    Source

  • 2. Is your opinion of Donald Trump favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about him?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Favorable 47% 91% 5% 43% 57% 37%
    Unfavorable 45 6 88 48 35 55
    Hvn't hrd enough 5 2 5 4 4 6
    REFUSED 3 1 2 4 4 2
    Source

  • 3. Is your opinion of J.D. Vance favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about him?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Favorable 39% 76% 4% 37% 48% 30%
    Unfavorable 36 3 74 37 29 43
    Hvn't hrd enough 23 20 22 23 20 26
    REFUSED 2 1 - 2 3 1
    Source

  • 4. Is your opinion of Melania Trump favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about her?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Favorable 37% 72% 8% 34% 43% 32%
    Unfavorable 23 6 47 21 18 27
    Hvn't hrd enough 35 20 40 39 34 36
    REFUSED 5 3 5 6 6 5
    Source

  • 5. Is your opinion of the Democratic party favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about it?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Favorable 31% 6% 77% 22% 22% 39%
    Unfavorable 57 90 15 59 67 47
    Hvn't hrd enough 9 3 5 13 8 9
    REFUSED 4 1 2 6 3 5
    Source

  • 6. Is your opinion of the Republican party favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about it?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Favorable 43% 87% 7% 36% 48% 37%
    Unfavorable 45 7 84 48 39 51
    Hvn't hrd enough 8 4 7 10 9 8
    REFUSED 4 1 3 5 4 4
    Source

  • 7. Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic about the next four years with Donald Trump as president?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Optimistic 54% 91% 15% 54% 63% 46%
    Pessimistic 42 5 81 44 34 49
    DK/NA 4 4 4 2 4 5
    Source

  • 8. In your opinion, what is the most urgent issue facing the country today: the economy, climate change, health care, immigration, abortion, racial inequality, crime, preserving democracy in the United States, or international conflicts?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Economy 24% 33% 14% 24% 27% 22%
    Climate change 7 - 18 6 7 8
    Health care 7 4 9 8 5 8
    Immigration 18 37 6 13 20 16
    Abortion 3 3 4 4 2 5
    Racial inequality 4 1 5 4 4 4
    Crime 4 5 3 4 5 3
    Preserving democracy 20 6 35 23 18 23
    Intl conflicts 5 3 2 8 7 3
    SOMETHING ELSE(VOL) 3 2 2 4 2 4
    DK/NA 4 5 3 2 3 5
    Source

  • 9. Would you say you are optimistic or pessimistic about freedom of speech being protected in the United States?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Optimistic 57% 82% 28% 59% 67% 49%
    Pessimistic 38 12 67 38 31 44
    DK/NA 5 7 6 2 2 7
    Source

  • 10. Do you approve or disapprove of how President Trump is handling the staffing of his administration?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 43% 88% 7% 37% 53% 34%
    Disapprove 45 5 85 51 37 53
    DK/NA 12 7 7 12 10 13
    Source

  • 11. Do you approve or disapprove of Elon Musk playing a prominent role in the Trump administration?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 39% 73% 6% 36% 48% 29%
    Disapprove 53 19 90 56 41 64
    DK/NA 9 9 4 8 11 7
    Source

  • 12. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling immigration issues?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 47% 88% 7% 47% 57% 38%
    Disapprove 46 7 90 47 35 55
    DK/NA 7 5 3 7 7 7
    Source

  • 13. As you may know, President Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of more than 1,500 people who were involved in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, including some convicted of violent acts. Do you approve or disapprove of President Trump's actions?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 37% 74% 3% 32% 47% 28%
    Disapprove 57 19 96 60 46 67
    DK/NA 6 7 1 8 7 4
    Source

  • 14. Do you approve or disapprove of President Biden issuing preemptive pardons for five members of his family who haven't been charged with any crimes?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 31% 11% 58% 28% 26% 35%
    Disapprove 62 87 35 63 68 57
    DK/NA 7 3 7 9 5 8
    Source

  • 15. Do you approve or disapprove of President Biden issuing preemptive pardons for some people who President Trump had targeted for retaliation?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 42% 11% 74% 45% 36% 48%
    Disapprove 44 74 16 43 51 38
    DK/NA 14 15 9 12 14 14
    Source

  • 16. Do you expect U.S. tariffs on goods made in other countries to help or hurt the U.S. economy?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Help 42% 75% 8% 41% 49% 34%
    Hurt 48 13 84 51 42 54
    NO DIFFERENCE(VOL) 1 1 - 2 1 1
    DK/NA 9 11 8 6 7 11
    Source

  • 17. Do you support or oppose deporting all undocumented immigrants and sending them back to their home countries? COMBINED WITH: (If oppose) Do you support or oppose deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of violent crimes?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Supp/Deport all 44% 78% 16% 42% 52% 37%
    Supp/Deport convictd 39 12 62 47 33 46
    Oppose 6 1 13 4 5 7
    DK/NA 10 10 9 8 10 10
    Source

  • 18. Do you approve or disapprove of sending U.S. troops to the southern border with Mexico to enforce border security?

    Mltry
    Approve 60%
    Disapprove 36
    DK/NA 3
    Source

  • 19. As you may know, under the U.S. Constitution, all children born in the United States are automatically granted U.S. citizenship. Do you think all children born in the U.S. should continue to be automatically granted citizenship or do you think this should be changed so that children of non-citizens are no longer automatically granted citizenship?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Continue granting 61% 31% 92% 62% 57% 65%
    Change/Not grant 30 56 7 30 33 27
    DK/NA 9 13 1 8 10 8
    Source

  • 20. As you may know, the H-1B Visa program allows companies to hire skilled workers from other countries who meet certain requirements. Do you support or oppose this program?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Support 70% 61% 77% 71% 69% 70%
    Oppose 18 28 14 16 18 19
    DK/NA 12 11 8 12 12 12
    Source

  • 21. Do you think climate change played a role in the wildfires in Southern California, or don't you think so?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Yes/Played role 50% 14% 89% 53% 39% 60%
    No 45 82 9 40 53 36
    DK/NA 6 5 2 8 8 4
    Source

  • 22. If you were a victim of a disaster like the Southern California wildfires and lost your home and/or major belongings, how confident are you that your insurance provider would sufficiently compensate you for your losses; very confident, somewhat confident, not so confident, or not confident at all?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Very confident 9% 11% 8% 10% 11% 8%
    Somewhat confident 26 26 30 23 25 26
    Not so confident 26 23 27 27 24 28
    Not confident at all 35 35 33 37 37 34
    DK/NA 4 5 1 4 3 4
    Source

  • 23. Would you say that you are optimistic or pessimistic that the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal will hold?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Optimistic 38% 50% 34% 34% 38% 38%
    Pessimistic 52 41 60 54 53 50
    DK/NA 11 9 7 12 10 12
    Source

  • 24. Do you approve or disapprove of President Trump's idea of the United States acquiring Greenland?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 28% 55% 4% 25% 37% 19%
    Disapprove 55 21 88 59 46 64
    DK/NA 17 24 8 16 16 17
    Source

  • 25. Do you approve or disapprove of President Trump's idea of the United States taking back control of the Panama Canal?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Approve 44% 79% 10% 42% 54% 33%
    Disapprove 45 11 83 47 37 53
    DK/NA 11 10 8 11 9 14
    Source

  • 26. Which comes closer to your point of view: TikTok should be banned regardless of who owns the app, TikTok should be banned unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company, or TikTok should not be banned regardless of who owns the app?

    Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
    Banned regardless 15% 12% 17% 17% 17% 13%
    Banned unless sold 34 47 23 34 37 31
    Not banned 37 27 46 37 37 37
    DK/NA 14 14 14 12 9 19
    Source

Pew: A Look Back at How Fear and False Beliefs Bolstered U.S. Public Support for War in Iraq

Published (13 tables/charts)

Timeline

2024 – Venezuela endures the world’s highest inflation, 86 % poverty and a basic food basket costing $526.83, fueling desperation for U.S. oil investment and heightening political stakes. [1]

Sep 2, 2025 – The United States conducts its first strike on alleged drug vessels off Venezuela, marking an escalation of anti‑narcotics operations that precede the later Caracas raid. [2]

Sep 2025 – U.S. forces destroy more than 80 suspected drug‑smuggling boats, intensifying pressure on Maduro’s regime and signaling willingness to use kinetic force. [25]

Dec 2025 – The U.S. national‑security strategy adopts the “Donroe Doctrine,” a rebranded Monroe Doctrine that pledges to deny non‑Hemispheric competitors control of strategic assets across the Western Hemisphere. [6]

Dec 23, 2025 – The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel issues an opinion stating that the planned removal of Maduro does not constitute a constitutional war, outlining five justifications for limited military action. [7]

Jan 3, 2026 – U.S. Delta Force and over 150 aircraft execute a midnight “lightning” operation in Caracas, capture President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, and transport them to the USS Iwo Jima before flying them to a Brooklyn detention center. [18][26][30]

Jan 3, 2026 – President Donald Trump announces that the United States will run Venezuela “indefinitely” during a transition, promising U.S. troops to protect oil infrastructure and billions in investment. [20]

Jan 3, 2026 – Vice‑President Delcy Rodríguez is sworn in by the Supreme Court as interim president, asserting continuity of the state while the U.S. claims authority over the transition. [18]

Jan 3, 2026 – The United Nations Security Council convenes an emergency meeting to debate the legality of the U.S. raid and its implications for sovereignty. [19]

Jan 4, 2026 – Trump pledges to rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry and channel oil revenues to U.S. interests, while the Donroe Doctrine frames the action as a hemispheric security measure. [18][4]

Jan 4, 2026 – Social‑media videos show airstrikes and explosions over Caracas; the White House directs inquiries to a Trump Truth Social post claiming the capture. [24]

Jan 5, 2026 – Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in Manhattan federal court, reiterating his claim to the presidency and invoking head‑of‑state immunity. [13]

Jan 5, 2026 – Chinese platform Weibo records millions of views of the raid, but analysts say the incident will not alter Beijing’s Taiwan strategy. [14]

Jan 5, 2026 – Thirty‑eight civic groups rally outside the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, condemning the raid and demanding Maduro’s release. [15]

Jan 6, 2026 – A U.S. judge invites bail requests for Maduro and Flores but signals that release is unlikely given the severity of narco‑terrorism charges. [11]

Jan 6, 2026 – Trump publicly declares the operation a “dramatic” raid and hints at further interventions in Greenland, Colombia, Iran, Mexico and Cuba, extending the Donroe Doctrine’s scope. [12]

Jan 7, 2026 – Secretary of State Marco Rubio tells Senator Mike Lee that the “kinetic” strike protected arresting personnel, framing the raid as a law‑enforcement action rather than an act of war. [9]

Jan 7, 2026 – Declassified details reveal CIA operatives infiltrated a denied area in August, recruited a source close to Maduro, and integrated human and technical intelligence to plan the raid. [3]

Jan 8, 2026 – The Trump administration formally recognizes Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s interim leader, prioritizing stability and a staged oil‑revenue plan over immediate regime change. [5]

Jan 8, 2026 – President Trump announces the “Donroe Doctrine,” replacing the Monroe Doctrine and asserting unilateral U.S. dominance from Greenland to Venezuela. [4]

Jan 2026 (planned) – The State Department outlines a three‑stage plan—stabilisation with supervised marketing of 30‑50 million barrels, reconciliation measures, then a democratic transition—to restore order before elections. [5]

Jan 14, 2026 – The DOJ’s legal opinion is publicized, emphasizing that the operation falls within presidential war‑powers without triggering a constitutional war. [7]

Jan 14, 2026 – ACLED data show 573 U.S. air and drone strikes in the first year of Trump’s term, surpassing Biden’s total and highlighting a broader shift toward unilateral force. [8]

Jan 28, 2026 – The Senate Foreign Affairs Committee holds its first public hearing on the Venezuela raid, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressing that the U.S. is not at war and outlining an offshore oil‑revenue control plan. [2]

Feb 18, 2026 – Acting President Delcy Rodríguez balances Chavista loyalty with Trump’s offer of up to 50 million barrels of oil, appoints technocrats, releases political prisoners, and navigates the influence of military strongman Diosdado Cabello amid Venezuela’s deepest economic crisis. [1]

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