On Jan. 3 at approximately 2 a.m. local time, Operation Absolute Resolve began when the United States (US) Armed Forces set off explosions in Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela. Subsequently, Delta Force captured Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, in his compound. At 11:23 a.m. ET, United States President Donald Trump posted an image of an apprehended Maduro on Truth Social. The event raised concerns among world leaders and citizens around the globe. 

Although many international bodies considered Maduro to be an oppressive leader, the method of his removal raised ethical concerns among many. As Upper School social studies teacher Mr. Chase Williams puts it, “Even if the outcome might be good in terms of Maduro’s removal, the means in which [America] used were problematic.”

This is an escalation in the US-Venezuela conflict. Back in 2025, Trump had initiated boat strikes along Venezuela’s coast. From boat strikes to the capture of Maduro, the largest inconsistency has been the justification—or rather, a lack thereof. According to Aaron Blake of CNN, the justifications provided by the Trump administration were constantly shifting: “The administration has taken remarkably little care to craft anything amounting to a consistent message.” Previously, the administration had argued that drug boats targeting the US were the reason for the pressure applied to the Venezuelan government. Yet after the capture of President Maduro, many wonder whether he was spotted on a boat himself.

Regardless of the justifications made by Donald Trump and his supporters, I believe Mr. Williams is correct. Per the US Constitution, “The Congress shall have Power To… declare War… and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water.” This was violated when Trump initiated the executive action on Venezuela. Additionally, the attack violated Article 2(4) of the 1945 Charter of the United Nations, which states that all states must refrain from the “threat or use of force” against another state. 

For many of us living in Taiwan, the biggest question is how this all affects Taiwan’s sovereignty. I believe that, in hindsight, this event is unlikely to have major implications for the China-Taiwan situation. It probably will not be the singular trigger event that pushes China to finally invade Taiwan. However, I do believe there will be minor precedents set that could all come together to further embolden China. I think the attack on Venezuela further continues America’s pivot from Asia, leaving Taiwan more vulnerable. In addition, I think the attack on Venezuela could reinvigorate imperialism-style governments, potentially encouraging China to invade Taiwan in order to control our semiconductor industry.