Survey Reveals Venezuelan Sentiment on U.S. Operation Against Maduro
A recent survey by the National Consulting Center (CNC) in Colombia indicates that 79% of Venezuelans have a favorable view of the U.S. law enforcement operation that resulted in the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, the ousted socialist leader.
Interestingly, the poll also showed that 49% of those surveyed believe the U.S. now controls Venezuela, while 43% think the socialist government remains in charge.
According to Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, the findings from the survey, which was conducted through phone interviews across all 23 Venezuelan states and the capital from January 5th to 9th following Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores’s arrest on January 3, 2026, were published on Tuesday morning.
Women in Venezuela reacted most positively to Maduro’s capture, with 82% supporting the operation, compared to 75% of men. Among age groups, those aged 25 to 34 and 55 to 69 were the most supportive, each at 81%, while 80% of younger individuals aged 18 to 24 expressed similar sentiments. Meanwhile, 71% of those over 70 viewed the event favorably.
Analyst Carlos Lemoín noted that the nationwide nature of the survey indicates that the enthusiasm for Maduro’s arrest isn’t just limited to Caracas but is widespread across the country.
Even with the evident support for the arrest, the CNC’s analysis highlighted a dual atmosphere of hope mixed with anxiety. While 61% of respondents believe Venezuela will improve now that Maduro is gone, 11% felt things would worsen.
Additionally, 61% expressed concerns that the socialist regime would intensify its repression, in contrast to 39% who thought human rights would be better respected.
“People are hopeful about the future but fear retaliation from the regime,” Lemoín emphasized. He characterized the situation as one where the government is “still in power but weakened.”
On January 3, the U.S. executed a notable military operation to apprehend Maduro and Flores. Both are currently detained in Brooklyn, facing serious charges related to drug trafficking and terrorism. Since their capture, Delcy Rodriguez, who was vice president and oil minister, has been acting as Venezuela’s president.
Recently, President Donald Trump remarked that Rodriguez is cooperating with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, locally, Rodriguez has been assertive in claiming leadership of the socialist regime.
In the wake of Maduro’s arrest, the Venezuelan government initiated a campaign of intimidation against those celebrating the ousting, with numerous reports of arrests. Diosdado Cabello, the interior minister and accused drug lord, has been leading this crackdown, utilizing armed militias.
When asked about who they believe is in power, 49% pointed to the U.S. while 43% backed the socialist government. A mere 8% showed support for opposition parties.
“Currently, the Venezuelan population lacks a voice,” Lemoín stated.
The survey findings also revealed that 67% of participants felt it was crucial to hold free elections in Venezuela this year. In terms of electoral preferences, 68% favored Maria Colina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and opposition leader, with 14% supporting exiled president-elect Edmundo González, 9% backing Delcy Rodriguez, and only 8% remaining loyal to Nicolás Maduro.
