Former ESPN presenter Keith Olbermann has ignited a furious online debate after demanding the immediate impeachment of US President Donald Trump. This call to action follows Trump's announcement of the successful capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a US military operation.
The Raid and the Reaction
In the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, Donald Trump revealed on his TruthSocial platform that a US special forces strike in Caracas had led to the capture of the left-wing Venezuelan leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, ordered directly by Trump, culminated in Maduro being taken to face trial in New York City on drugs and weapons charges.
The removal of Maduro, whose regime has overseen rampant violence, hyperinflation, and gang warfare leading to one of the world's largest displacement crises, triggered scenes of jubilation across Venezuela and in diaspora communities. Thousands flooded the streets celebrating, with many waving both American and Venezuelan flags in a gesture of thanks to Trump. More than eight million citizens have fled Venezuela since 2014 due to the ongoing crises.
Olbermann's Fierce Condemnation
However, the dramatic military action was met with immediate condemnation from prominent Trump critic Keith Olbermann. The ex-SportsCenter anchor took to social media platform X to launch a scathing attack on the President.
"Trump has now endangered every man, woman, and child in this nation by his insane and illegal personal war against Venezuela," Olbermann wrote. "He must be impeached and removed from office immediately."
Olbermann, whose disdain for Trump is well-documented, argued that the unilateral move had recklessly put the American public at risk.
A Backlash of Support for Trump's Move
Olbermann's post swiftly generated a significant backlash, with many users criticising his stance and praising Trump's intervention. The online response highlighted a deep political divide over the ethics and consequences of the raid.
One user countered, "Or should be thanked for making the continent a safer place by removing an illegitimate dictator from power." Another mocked Olbermann's predictable criticism, writing, "Oh no. Keith Olbermann is calling for Trump to be impeached. Again."
Others pointed directly to the celebratory reactions from Venezuelans. "You’re really gonna scream & cry when you see the videos of the Venezuelan people celebrating in the streets," a third user posted. From Doral, Florida, one Venezuelan expatriate celebrated, stating, "Today, justice is being served... We want to return to our country and rebuild."
The episode underscores the polarising nature of Trump's foreign policy actions and the intense reactions they provoke from both supporters and detractors, with the future implications of Maduro's capture still unfolding.
