Trump’s Illegal Petro-War on Venezuela
January 4, 2026
Although I usually send a short note on Sunday for the limited purpose of opening the Comment section, today’s events warrant a brief report.
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Many Americans are still reeling from Trump’s illegal attack on Venezuela and the unlawful arrest and transfer of its president to the US.
In the press conference after the attack, Trump said the following:
(a) the purpose of the attack was to seize control of Venezuela’s oil industry;
(b) Trump will “run” Venezuela until the US can “choose” Venezuela’s next leader, and
(c) the rightfully elected opposition leader “does not have the respect of the people” necessary to govern.
In admitting his motivations, Trump denied the sovereignty of Venezuela’s people and acknowledged that his war is illegal under US and international law.
In my livestream on Saturday morning, I made the points listed below, only hours after the attack. They have held up as we learned more information about the attack, which reportedly killed 40 people, including soldiers and civilians.
See Saturday morning’s livestream here: Live with Robert Hubbell 1/3/26
In my comments on the livestream, I noted that it is helpful to separate what happened from how it happened. Venezuela without Maduro is better off. But removing Maduro through an illegal war, undermining the duly elected opposition leader, and claiming that the US will “run” Venezuela is a recipe for disaster.
In my livestream, I said,
1. The attack on Venezuela violated the Constitution; Congress has the power to declare war, not the president. Trump violated the War Powers Act by failing to obtain Congress’s consent before attacking a sovereign nation. Trump also failed to advise members of the congressional oversight committees.
2. The capture of Maduro violated US law. US criminal jurisdiction does not extend into foreign nations. Even so, the US did not obtain an arrest warrant issued by a judge or magistrate based on probable cause (so far as I know as of 1/3).
3. The capture of Maduro violated international law. The process for arresting and transferring an accused between countries requires extradition under a treaty between the nations involved.
4. The attack on Venezuela violated international law. Under the United Nation’s charter, the US cannot attack a sovereign nation except in self defense against armed aggression.
5. The real purpose of the attack was to seize control of Venezuela’s petroleum industry.
6. The law of unintended consequences. The attack may destabilize Venezuela or other countries in the region.
7. The lawless attack sends a message to Russia and China that they can engage in similar lawless activity. It also sends a message to our allies that the US cannot be trusted and is an aggressor nation.
Finally, the lesson that we should take from the above is that we must continue to resist Trump’s lawlessness at every turn. If we give Trump a “pass” on violating one part of the Constitution, he will take that as a signal that he is free to violate other parts of the Constitution. We must double down on our efforts to resist Trump, and we must add his illegal war against Venezuela to our list of causes.
As the pro-democracy photos below demonstrate, members of the resistance leapt into action on Saturday, less than 12 hours after the attack.
We can shape the unfolding events in Venezuela. If US oil companies assist with Trump’s takeover of Venezuela’s oil industry, we can boycott those companies in the US. If US hedge funds or banks underwrite the takeover of Venezuela’s economy, we can boycott those companies. We can rally the American people against the illegal war by protesting in the tens of millions, we can demand that our representatives in Congress raise the alarm from the floor of the Capitol every day, and we can ensure a massive victory in November 2026.
Stay strong, everyone! We have only begun to resist!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Pro-democracy proteset photos
EMERGENCY SATURDAY Freeway Overpass Bannering to protest the war on Venezuela:On a few hours notice, in the cold & intermittent rain, Indivisible San Jose (CA) managed to show San Jose what's important in this time of Trumpian evil and greed.We had a substantial group for so little time, a crew of 9. You can see a few raindrops in one of the photos. Lots of positive honks and waves of support made this even more worthwhile.
Here's today's photo from our weekly rally in Pullman, WA. After the attack on Venezuela, our group grew again.
On January 3, 25 people showed up in Gill, MA to protest Trump's attack on Venezuela.
One announcement brought 1-200 people together to demonstrate against the US actions in Venezuela. Everyone was upset at Trump’s action and it was go to do something about it.
It was a great day in SF!
Went to the weekly Tesla protest then to the very well attended rally with excellent speakers @ Market & Powell
We woke up to news about the war against Venezuela and didn't really have enough time to make new signs before our weekly demonstration. Still, we had a strong message and a good turnout, with lots of honking, peace signs, and appreciation from drivers passing by.
Every Saturday, a variably sized group of people, the core of which are the residents of a St. Louis Park, MN senior living community, shows up at a busy intersection for an hour. Conversation runs to keeping fingers and toes warm, as well as our political nightmare.
Attached are some photos from the Burlington detention center witness/vigil which was attended by ministers and rabbis from a diverse array of denominations, including Boston AME and Baptist, churches and catholic and Episcopal priests. The Massachusetts Episcopal Bishop spoke and gave media interviews. She was accompanied by posse of priests. here’s wishing for a more peaceful just and generous 2026 if we don’t give up, we can make this happen.
When we heard the news this morning we knew we needed to be on the bridge - we mustered a dozen brave souls and layered up for the weather.
Keep the pressure on!
A number of our visibility brigades are doing rapid response today and tomorrow. Here’s what we did in Paramus, New Jersey. Hope you are well in these difficult times.
Peterborough NH. On a cold New Year’s Day, 33 people gathered to state their wishes for 2026, Some lingered for a photo. We hold a vigil every Saturday, 1-2pm, but wanted to begin this pivotal year—the 250th year of our democracy—with a rally.
We held a pop up protest against the illegal war in Venezuela today. Many people walking by joined us. Cars honked in support. This was in Upper Manhattan, aka Inwood. Gabrielle Shatan
WLA bridge brigade put a message this afternoon over the 405 southbound in rain. Posters wrapped in plastic. Great job!
Organized by Indivisible Santa Fe, it was Saturday Night Live on the Plaza, Santa Fe NM.
Thank you very much, Robert, for continuing to publish the photos of demonstrators for freedom.
I'm so proud of the peaceful protestors in various states who rushed--even in bad weather--to get their signs out protesting Trump's latest Putinesque move on Venezuela. Thank you to everyone who continues to keep the pro-democracy movement visible on the streets across America!
Thank you Robert for your thoughtful analysis. Between you and Heather Cox Richardson, my biggest takeaway is that we must all step up now in whatever ways we can. As HCR said today (and I don't consider her alarmist), we have the next 3-4 months to double our efforts to fight back against this administration or we fall into dictatorship. We have been successful in many ways over the last year, but we must do more. Now. Our organization - Donuts + Democracy - has moved up our youth voter registration, education and GOTV to January - we simply cannot wait for the midterms to engage young people who are critical to winning elections. We have the power - we must use it to organize, galvanize and stop this authoritarian power grab.