In a unified backlash against President Donald Trump's recent military action in Venezuela, Democratic frontrunners for the 2028 presidential election have voiced severe criticism, suggesting the move is a diversion from domestic troubles. The operation, which involved the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, was executed early Saturday and quickly became a focal point for condemnation from Trump's political adversaries.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker were among the most vocal, charging Trump with using the international incident to shift attention from his faltering domestic agenda. On social media platform X, Buttigieg remarked, “An unpopular president—failing on the economy and losing his grip on power at home—decides to launch a war for regime change abroad. The American people don’t want to ‘run’ a foreign country while our leaders fail to improve life in this one.”

Trump, who campaigned on an “America First” policy promising reduced overseas entanglements, defended the operation as in line with his commitment to surround the U.S. with stability and good neighbors. However, Democratic leaders argue that the sudden military action could alienate voters who are weary of international conflicts.

The capture of Maduro, purportedly aimed at addressing drug trafficking, has been positioned by Trump as a necessary measure to ensure regional stability and crack down on criminal activities affecting the U.S. Nonetheless, critics like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) contend the operation is more about controlling oil and effecting regime change than combating drug crimes.

This Democratic outcry has quickly turned into a rallying cry for the upcoming elections, with the DNC issuing a fundraising appeal deeming the Venezuela strike “another unconstitutional war from Trump, who thinks the Constitution is a suggestion.” This sentiment was echoed by other Democratic figures including Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, both of whom emphasized the lessons supposedly learned from past conflicts like Iraq.

While most Democratic leaders criticized the president’s actions, Colorado Governor Jared Polis broke ranks, celebrating Maduro's capture as a victory for freedom in Venezuela.

On the Republican side, figures like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have expressed strong support for Trump's actions, underscoring a clear partisan divide on the issue. Rubio highlighted the president's decisive nature at a press conference, reinforcing Trump's image as a leader of action rather than mere rhetoric.

As the situation develops, the incident in Venezuela is poised to become a significant issue in both the midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race, potentially reshaping voter sentiments about foreign policy and executive authority.