Kamala Harris criticises Trump, says Maduro’s capture driven by oil, not drugs or democracy

Harris criticises Trump Venezuela operation

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday condemned the Trump administration’s recent operation in Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. In a post on X, Harris described the operation as “unlawful” and “unwise.”

Harris acknowledged Maduro’s rule, calling him a “brutal” and “illegitimate” dictator, but criticised the US actions, saying they “do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable.”

“Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable,” Harris wrote. “That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise. We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that are sold as strength but turn into chaos, and American families pay the price,” she added.

Harris highlights oil interests

The former vice president’s remarks came hours after the Trump administration confirmed that Maduro and Flores were captured and transported out of Venezuela as part of “Operation Absolute Resolve.”

Harris accused the administration of being motivated by oil rather than combating drug trafficking or promoting democracy.

“The American people do not want this, and they are tired of being lied to. This is not about drugs or democracy. It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman,” Harris wrote. “If he cared about either, he wouldn’t pardon a convicted drug trafficker or sideline Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while pursuing deals with Maduro’s cronies.”

Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable.That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise. We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that…

Story continues below Advertisement

Remove Ad

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 4, 2026

Criticism of US strategy

Harris further warned that the operation endangered US troops and destabilised the region.

“The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilising a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home,” she said. “America needs leadership whose priorities are lowering costs for working families, enforcing the rule of law, strengthening alliances, and — most importantly — putting the American people first.”

Maduro and Flores detained in New York

Maduro and his wife arrived at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn late Saturday, after being transported by helicopter from the DEA headquarters in Manhattan. Earlier, Trump said the US would “run” Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.”

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Supreme Court appointed Delcy Rodríguez as the country’s interim president. According to Venezuela’s Constitution, Rodríguez has 30 days to conduct an election, though it remains unclear if elections can proceed under the current circumstances.