In a notable departure from the mainstream Democratic perspective, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania openly commended the U.S. military's recent intervention aimed at removing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power. Expressing his views via a public statement on social media platform X, Fetterman described the operation as "deftly" handled and underscored its favorable consequences for the people of Venezuela.
Highlighting the contrast within his party, Fetterman questioned the reluctance of many Democrats to recognize the merits of the military action despite the Biden administration's prior commitment to capturing Maduro. He pointed to the administration's issuance of a $25 million bounty in early 2025, intended to facilitate Maduro's arrest following his controversial swearing-in for a third six-year term—a move that drew widespread criticism both internationally and from Venezuelan opposition factions.
This reward was itself an increase over a $15 million incentive that had been offered during the Trump administration in 2020. Alongside Maduro, the U.S. government also placed rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of key Venezuelan officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, the latter with a reward of up to $15 million. Further escalation came in August when the Trump administration doubled the bounty to $50 million after designating the Cartel of the Suns as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity.
Nevertheless, the military operation to depose Maduro sparked pronounced objections from several prominent Democrats. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts all voiced concerns, labeling the action as unconstitutional and reckless. They argued that the motives behind the operation appeared to be aligned more with securing oil interests than with protecting U.S. national security.
Conversely, former President Donald Trump applauded the move as a triumph over a "brutal dictator," underscoring the partisan split that framed the reactions to the military intervention. Fetterman's endorsement of the operation further complicates the narrative, illustrating divisions even within the Democratic Party regarding foreign policy and executive branch actions.
This episode is consistent with Fetterman's previously observed tendency to challenge party orthodoxy. Earlier in November, he notably supported government reopening legislation alongside Republicans, taking a stand against prolonged shutdowns. He also cautioned his Democratic colleagues against adopting extreme political positions, advocating for a more moderate approach.
Overall, the military operation against Maduro has highlighted internal debates about strategy, legality, and ethical considerations concerning U.S. actions abroad, especially in relation to Venezuela, where the administration has long pursued pressure tactics against Maduro's government.