In a highly unusual and significant editorial stance, The Washington Post has issued a rare endorsement of actions taken by President Donald Trump, specifically praising the authorisation of a military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
A Dramatic Pre-Dawn Raid in Caracas
The publication, which has been historically critical of the president, framed the operation as 'Justice in Venezuela' and 'one of the boldest moves a president has made in years'. This praise followed a high-stakes military intervention where US Army Delta Force troops stormed a military base in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday.
The pre-dawn raid resulted in the seizure of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both individuals were subsequently flown to the USS Iwo Jima and are now en route to New York City. There, they will face serious narco-terrorism charges linked to a prior Justice Department indictment.
Editorial Hails a Major Victory for US Interests
The unsigned op-ed from the newspaper's editorial board, which acts as the institutional voice of the paper, celebrated the operation as a decisive triumph. 'Millions of people around the world, most of all in Venezuela, are celebrating the downfall of the dictator Nicolás Maduro,' the editorial stated.
It further argued that the mission represented a major victory for American interests in the hemisphere, serving as a stark warning to other authoritarian regimes supported by US adversaries. The editorial pointedly noted that Chinese officials had held a 'chummy meeting' with Maduro just hours before his capture, and highlighted his support from Russia, Cuba, and Iran.
'No doubt millions of Venezuelans will remember who backed their oppressor and who effected his removal,' the board wrote, adding that the end of Maduro's rule should also aim to corrode the influence of American adversaries in the region.
Global Repercussions and Cautious Optimism
The editorial also positioned Maduro's removal as a potent message to other leaders, stating: 'Maduro's removal also sends an important message to tinpot dictators in Latin America and the world: Trump follows through.' It contrasted Trump's decisive action with President Joe Biden's previous policy of offering sanctions relief, which it characterised as a 'show of weakness'.
Despite the celebratory tone, the Post included a note of caution, warning of the risk that another dictator could take Maduro's place. It concluded, however, that seeing Maduro spend the rest of his life in prison would be a 'good thing'.
This editorial marks a notable shift for the publication, which has stated its intention to focus more on op-eds supporting free markets and civil liberties following Trump's re-election last year.
In a related press briefing at Mar-a-Lago, President Trump announced that the United States would temporarily govern Venezuela to ensure a safe and proper transition. He suggested the country's vast oil reserves would fund its recovery and admitted he did not brief Congress beforehand, citing operational secrecy.
The Justice Department confirmed Maduro will face drug and weapons trafficking charges originally filed in 2020, with five other Venezuelan officials also charged. Celebrations were reported among Venezuelan diaspora communities abroad, while the atmosphere in Caracas remained tense.
