In 2026, Vice President JD Vance found himself defending a U.S. military raid in Venezuela, an operation aimed at regime change through the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This action stands in contrast to Vance's 2023 endorsement of then-President Donald Trump, which was largely based on Trump's perceived commitment to avoiding foreign military entanglements.

Vance's earlier support for Trump hinged on the belief that Trump would not "recklessly send Americans to fight overseas." The raid in Venezuela has therefore prompted questions about the accuracy of this assessment and the broader perception of Trump as a non-interventionist figure.

Critics of American interventionism had, at times, viewed Trump as a departure from traditional foreign policy hawks. However, the Venezuela operation, among other actions during his presidency, challenges this narrative. These actions include, but are not limited to, heightened military presence in certain regions and assertive diplomatic stances that some critics argue contradict a doveish foreign policy.

Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox who covers ideology and challenges to democracy, has written extensively on this topic. Beauchamp's analysis suggests a reassessment of Trump's foreign policy is warranted, given events like the Venezuela raid.

The situation in Venezuela remains tense following Maduro's capture. The U.S. government has yet to release a comprehensive statement detailing the long-term plans for the country, and international reaction has been mixed, with some nations condemning the U.S. action and others expressing cautious support. The future political landscape of Venezuela, and the role of the U.S. in shaping it, remains uncertain.