**Tulsi Gabbard Faces Backlash Over Silence on U.S. Venezuela Intervention**
Key Takeaways:
- Tulsi Gabbard breaks from her past anti-interventionist stance by backing U.S. operation in Venezuela.
- Critics highlight her silence on the motives behind the raid, especially control of Venezuelan oil.
- The shift reflects broader political pressure within the Trump administration to fall in line.
Washington, D.C. — Former anti-interventionist and now Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, is under renewed public scrutiny following her support for a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela. Her brief commendation of the mission, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, marks a stark contrast to her long-held opposition to U.S. foreign interventions.
Gabbard’s Sudden Shift Raises Eyebrows
On January 6, 2026, Gabbard issued a terse statement on X (formerly Twitter) praising the execution of “Operation Absolute Resolve”, the military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power. She credited the “flawless execution” of President Donald Trump’s directive and applauded American servicemembers—yet made no mention of the controversial objective: control of the country’s oil sector. Her post stood in striking contrast to her years of vocal opposition to U.S. involvement in Venezuela, which she previously denounced as imperialistic and oil-driven interference.
Background: From Skeptic to State Agent
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, gained national attention for challenging American military interventions abroad. She warned in multiple public posts throughout 2019 that any regime change in Caracas would lead to “death and destruction” for Venezuelans. She frequently argued the U.S. was driven by oil, not humanitarian interest. Her stance made her a rare bipartisan critic of U.S. foreign policy—but since joining the Trump administration, she has grown noticeably silent.
With Trump now explicitly stating that Venezuela’s oil reserves were a central motive behind the operation, Gabbard’s lack of comment—beyond initial praise—has alarmed both supporters and critics. Her old posts are now circulating online, reposted by fellow former non-interventionist Justin Amash. Previously skeptical of Trump-era foreign entanglements, she appears to have fallen in line with the administration’s hawkish evolution on Latin America.
Implications for Gabbard—and the MAGA Movement
Gabbard’s shift is not occurring in isolation. Others, like J.D. Vance and Steve Bannon, have also struggled to reconcile their prior non-interventionist positions with Trump’s latest foreign policy move. But while Bannon has cautiously voiced concerns and Vance has remained notably absent from press events, Gabbard’s appointment puts her directly at the center of intelligence planning. Her silence—and selective support—may signal a desire to maintain power within Trump’s circle heading into the 2026 elections.
Analysts say Gabbard’s credibility as an anti-war figure is eroding quickly, and depending on how the U.S. management of Venezuelan oil unfolds, she may face further criticism. If civilian casualties or resistance emerge, her affiliation with the operation could become politically damaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Tulsi Gabbard trending?
A: Because her support for the Venezuela intervention contradicts her previously strong anti-interventionist views.
Q: What happens next?
A: Gabbard’s future in the Trump administration may depend on public and political reaction as the Venezuela strategy unfolds.
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