JONATHAN TURLEY: Maduro operation was legal, but Trump makes it complicated

January 4, 2026

TL;DR

The initial narrative for seizing Nicolás Maduro focused on bringing him to justice as an indicted individual, drawing parallels to the Manuel Noriega case.
President Trump shifted the narrative by declaring the U.S. would engage in nation-building to achieve regime change in Venezuela.
Trump's motivations are described as transparent and transactional, seeking a stable partner and oil from Venezuela.
The article argues that while the capture of Maduro may be legally sound, the subsequent nation-building efforts could be viewed as an act of war.
Courts have generally upheld presidential authority to seize individuals abroad and engage in undeclared military offensives.
The author suggests that even if courts disapprove of nation-building, Trump can argue constitutional authority to lay the foundation for Venezuela's revival.
Venezuelans, not the U.S., must ultimately decide their country's leadership and interests.

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