New reactions to the January 3, 2026, US capture of Nicolás Maduro highlight contradictions among European nationalists, as French divisions persist amid fears of Trump alienating support for Ukraine.
The US special forces raid in Caracas on January 3, 2026, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, has continued to polarize European politics since initial cautious responses from EU leaders.
French President Emmanuel Macron's support for a 'democratic transition'—without condemning the US action—drew Donald Trump's endorsement via repost on Truth Social but sparked backlash from left-wing figures and even some Macron allies, breaking from traditional French diplomacy. European Parliament member Nathalie Loiseau (Renew) attributed this hesitancy to fears that opposing Trump could jeopardize his stance on Ukraine, amid an Élysée conference on the issue.
Trump-aligned far-right leaders showed unease with the intervention's imperial tone. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, typically pro-Trump, reacted cautiously: 'It happened, and we are examining if it is beneficial or not for Hungary,' citing potential US gains in Venezuelan oil lowering prices. Hungary alone among EU states refused to sign a communiqué urging respect for Venezuelan self-determination, rejecting common foreign policy.
In the UK, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, a long-time Trump supporter, called the operation 'unorthodox and contrary to international law' but added it might deter Russia and China. These responses underscore tensions for European nationalists confronting perceived US imperialism.
