Trump's focus on Venezuela and other foreign aims could undercut midterm economic message

Following a reported U.S. operation that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture, President Trump has emphasized additional foreign objectives; polls cited in the article show limited public support for the Venezuela action while many Americans list the economy as their top concern.

President Donald Trump has shifted attention to foreign objectives after a reported U.S. operation that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture. He has spoken about accessing Venezuelan oil, warned about instability in Cuba, threatened action related to Colombia and revived a policy label he called the "Donroe Doctrine." Some Republican allies had urged more focus on domestic issues, while Democratic leaders say the foreign focus helps their argument that affordability should be the midterm priority. Polls cited in the article show low public approval for the Venezuela action and continued public unease about the economy. Key facts: - Reports say a Jan. 3 U.S. military operation resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro. - The president has described plans to "run" Venezuela and tap its oil, and has referenced further foreign aims including Cuba, Colombia and Greenland and a policy he called the "Donroe Doctrine." - A Reuters/Ipsos poll found about one in three Americans approved of the Venezuela strike, 72% worried the U.S. would become too involved there, and just 23% of independent voters supported the action. - Cited polling placed Trump's approval near 36% (Gallup) and showed low satisfaction with the state of the economy; a PBS/NPR/Marist poll reported 57% disapproved of his handling of the economy. - Democratic officials and strategists have used the Venezuela operation to argue the administration is prioritizing foreign interests over domestic affordability, and analysts said how these foreign interventions play out could affect midterm messaging. Summary: The president's focus on Venezuela and other foreign aims gives Democrats material to argue Republicans are distracted from economic concerns at a time when many voters report dissatisfaction with the economy. Whether that message shapes the 2026 midterms will depend on how these foreign actions unfold and on economic trends. Undetermined at this time.