Full Breakdown
Tulsi Gabbard's Shift in Stance on U.S. Military Action in Venezuela
1/7/2026, 10:10:19 PM
Operation Absolute Resolve: The Capture of Nicolás Maduro
On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces successfully captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as part of a military operation named Operation Absolute Resolve. The operation was approved by President Donald Trump and involved significant coordination among U.S. intelligence agencies. Following the operation, Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, publicly praised the military's execution of the mission, marking a notable shift from her previous anti-interventionist stance.
Gabbard's Previous Opposition to Military Intervention
In 2019, while serving as a Democratic Congresswoman, Gabbard was a vocal critic of U.S. military involvement in Venezuela. She warned that military action would lead to "more suffering and death and disaster for the Venezuelan people." Gabbard argued against U.S. attempts to influence foreign leadership, stating, "We don’t want other countries to choose our leaders—so we have to stop trying to choose theirs." Her earlier comments highlighted a broader critique of U.S. foreign policy, which she described as a "disastrous history of military intervention and regime change."
Praise for Operation Absolute Resolve
In a post on social media, Gabbard congratulated U.S. servicemen and intelligence operators for their "flawless execution" of Trump's order. She emphasized Trump's commitment to national security, stating, "President Trump promised the American people he would secure our borders, confront narcoterrorism, dangerous drug cartels, and drug traffickers." This approval contrasts sharply with her past warnings about the consequences of military intervention in Venezuela.
Criticism and Opposition
Gabbard's shift in tone has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly from those who argue that the operation contradicts Trump's campaign promise of avoiding new wars. Critics have pointed out that Gabbard's previous statements against military action raise questions about her current support for the operation. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the mission, asserting that it was not a regime change but rather a necessary action against narcoterrorism. He noted that Maduro's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, was sworn in as interim president, suggesting continuity in governance.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There is a notable discrepancy in the reactions within the U.S. intelligence community regarding Gabbard's silence prior to her praise for the operation. While CIA Director John Ratcliffe actively participated in the operation and publicly supported it, Gabbard's delayed response surprised some intelligence officials who had been involved in the planning and execution of the mission.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kudos to our servicemen and women and intelligence operators for their flawless execution of President Trump’s order to deliver on his promise thru Operation Absolute Resolve.” — Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence
- “The United States needs to stay out of Venezuela,” — Tulsi Gabbard, 2019
Gabbard's evolving stance on U.S. military intervention in Venezuela reflects a significant transformation in her political alignment and raises questions about the implications of such military actions on U.S. foreign policy.
