Politics

Latest Politics News

📅January 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM
US captures Venezuela's Maduro in strikes, vows to run country until transition; tensions rise with Iran over protests; global leaders react amid political fallout.
1

US Captures Venezuela's Maduro in Military Raid

President Trump announced a large-scale US strike captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who faces US charges including naroterrorism and cocaine trafficking.Source 1Source 2Source 5 Trump posted a photo of Maduro blindfolded on a US ship and stated the US will run Venezuela until a safe transition.Source 2Source 5 Florida Republicans and many GOP lawmakers quickly backed the action.Source 2

2

Trump Vows US to 'Run' Venezuela and Rebuild Oil Infrastructure

Trump declared the United States will manage Venezuela with partners, focusing on rebuilding oil infrastructure to generate revenue.Source 2Source 4Source 5 He suggested US cyberattacks aided the operation by turning off lights in Caracas during strikes.Source 2 Vice President Deli Rodriguez is among potential partners, downplaying opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.Source 5

3

Democrats Denounce Venezuela Strike as 'Illegal War' and 'Iraq 2.0'

Democratic leaders and 2028 hopefuls criticized Trump for bypassing Congress without authorization for the military action.Source 2Source 4 They likened it to past interventions lacking postwar plans.Source 2 Senate Democrats like Tim Kaine push for a war powers vote.Source 2

4

Trump Warns Iran: US 'Locked and Loaded' if Protesters Killed

Trump threatened intervention if Iran kills peaceful protesters amid unrest blamed on economic collapse by Ayatollah Khamenei.Source 1Source 4Source 5 Iran's foreign minister called remarks reckless, with forces on standby.Source 5 Khamenei urged putting rioters in their place.Source 1Source 5

5

Canada's Mark Carney Urges Venezuelan-Led Transition Post-Maduro

Canadian PM Mark Carney called for a transition led by Venezuelans following Maduro's capture, without naming Trump.Source 2 This comes amid Trump's hemispheric dominance signals sparking regional fears.Source 2

6

Republicans Rally Behind Trump on Venezuela, Hawks Gain Influence

GOP hawks prevail as Trump White House avoids MAGA base revolt over foreign engagement.Source 2 Florida Republicans, representing large Venezuelan population, applauded the raid.Source 2 Possible Republican successors voiced support.Source 2

7

Senate Prepares Vote on War Powers After Maduro Ouster

Sen. Tim Kaine cited American democracy's 250th year in pushing war powers measure post-Venezuela action.Source 2 Lawmakers debate congressional oversight amid the surprise strike.Source 2

8

Trump's Shifting Explanations for Venezuela Military Buildup

Trump and aides offered varying reasons for the military presence leading to the raid.Source 4 The operation united Democrats against it but solidified GOP backing.Source 4

9

Euronews Reports Russian Strike on Ukraine's Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia Attacks

At least two killed, scores injured in Russian strike on Kharkiv; massive drone attacks hit Zaporizhzhia.Source 1Source 5 Local authorities called it one of the largest assaults.Source 5

10

Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as NYC Mayor, Targets Affordability

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani took office as New York City mayor at a decommissioned subway station.Source 4 He issued executive orders on housing and tenant protections in his first press conference.Source 4

11

Trump Delays Tariffs on Furniture and Kitchen Goods

White House reversed tariffs on furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities in latest economic policy shift.Source 4 This follows announcements on National Guard removals from major cities.Source 4