President Trump Dismisses Wary Supporters Claim Following Venezuela Operation

President Donald Trump responded to questions regarding potential backlash from his base following the military operation in Venezuela, asserting that his supporters remain unified behind his administration’s actions. During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort on January 3, 2026, the president engaged in a sharp exchange with a CNN reporter who asked about supporters wary of the U.S. entering another foreign conflict.

“You ever asked a positive question at CNN?” the president replied, according to reports of the event. He dismissed the suggestion of a fracture within his base, stating, “My supporters are more in love with me today, and I’m in love with them, more than they were even at election time.” The comments follow the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the subsequent announcement that the U.S. would temporarily administer Venezuela’s government and oil infrastructure.

The administration has faced scrutiny from some members of the “America First” movement, who have expressed concerns over long-term military entanglements. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and other prominent voices have publicly questioned the lack of congressional approval for the raid. In response to these concerns, the president emphasized that the operation was “stunningly effective” and would be reimbursed by the proceeds from Venezuela’s oil reserves, ensuring the mission would not become a financial burden on American taxpayers.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stood alongside the president during the address, reinforcing the administration’s position that the move was a necessary counter-narcotics and national security measure. Despite the president’s confidence in his support, legal experts and opposition lawmakers have termed the intervention “wildly illegal,” leading to a heated domestic debate over the executive branch’s war powers.