The geopolitical landscape of Latin America underwent a seismic shift on January 3, 2026, when U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic military strike. President Donald Trump hailed the operation as a victory for "American dominance" in the Western Hemisphere, invoking a modernized version of the 19th century Monroe Doctrine often referred to by his administration as the "Donroe Doctrine." This move has exposed deep ideological fractures across the continent, where a growing bloc of right wing leaders is now aligning closely with Washington.

Regional Allies Celebrate the Capture

Leading the support for Trump's action is Argentine President Javier Milei. Known as Trump's ideological "soulmate," Milei described the capture as a "decisive step forward" against narco terrorism and oppression. He framed the event as a battle between those who support life and freedom versus those who enable a "bloody dictatorship." Similarly, in Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele have shown their support, viewing the removal of Maduro as a necessary move to dismantle the influence of Hugo Chávez's legacy across the continent.

The Leftist Bloc's Vocal Condemnation

On the other side of the fracture, the "Pink Tide" leaders those representing the Latin American left have expressed grave concerns. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum issued joint statements condemning the U.S. operation as a violation of international law and a "dangerous precedent." Colombian President Gustavo Petro also rejected the unilateral military action, fearing it would intensify instability in the region. These leaders view the raid not as an anti-drug operation, but as a return to the era of heavy handed U.S. interventionism.

Delcy Rodríguez and the Interim Crisis

Following Maduro’s abduction to a New York detention center, Venezuela's Supreme Court ruled that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez must take over the presidency on an interim basis. While the Venezuelan Armed Forces (FANB) have called the incident a "cowardly kidnapping," Rodríguez has been forced to navigate a country under a declared "state of external threat." Interestingly, the Trump administration has indicated a willingness to work with Rodríguez to ensure a transition, further complicating the internal dynamics of the Venezuelan opposition.

Impact on Global Oil and Alliances

The removal of Maduro has ramifications far beyond Latin American borders. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and Trump’s vow that the U.S. would "run" the country to secure its oil sector has put major buyers like China on notice. While the U.S. seeks to weaken Iran and Russia's influence in the Western Hemisphere by severing their ties with Caracas, it also gains significant leverage over global energy markets. This "America First" strategy cements the priorities outlined in Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy.

A New Era of Intervention

The capture of Nicolás Maduro marks the most significant U.S. military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. As the region continues to polarize, the 2026 midterm elections in the U.S. and various local elections in South America will likely serve as a referendum on this new era of the "Donroe Doctrine." Whether this leads to a more stable, democratic region or a new cycle of anti American sentiment remains to be seen