Trump’s Approach to Venezuela Lives Down to the Left’s Iraq War Caricature

To hear Donald Trump tell it, it’s mission accomplished in Venezuela.

The days since the Caracas raid and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the Chavista regime in Venezuela is “giving us everything that we feel is necessary,” the president told the New York Times. Indeed, the president maintained, the regime now led by Maduro deputy Delcy Rodríguez doesn’t have much choice.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

Featured Tags

To hear Donald Trump tell it, it’s mission accomplished in Venezuela.

The days since the Caracas raid and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the Chavista regime in Venezuela is “giving us everything that we feel is necessary,” the president told the New York Times. Indeed, the president maintained, the regime now led by Maduro deputy Delcy Rodríguez doesn’t have much choice.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.