Trump supporters have welcomed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as a quick and decisive win. Many see it as a rare success that bypasses long-term conflicts. Political analysts, however, warn that enthusiasm could fade if the operation becomes prolonged. While a few conservative voices criticized the raid as a break from Trump's "America First" policy, most Republican allies backed the move. Early support came even after Trump said the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela and seek to access its oil reserves, a step some see as a potential long-term engagement abroad. For now, Trump’s political base appears eager to support Maduro’s removal, believing the operation is unlikely to turn into a drawn-out conflict similar to the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. Joshua Wilson, a political science professor at the University of Denver, noted that the situation is too new for significant pushback. He added that the coming weeks will test Trump's ability to shape public perception and maintain loyalty among his followers. The operation comes as Trump faces low approval ratings. A recent poll showed only 39% of Americans approve of his performance, largely due to dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy. Political experts note that military successes often provide only short-term political gains. Matthew Wilson, a professor at Southern Methodist University, said that a successful operation may be forgotten by the midterm elections, but any failure could seriously damage Republican prospects. The U.S. last acted to remove a Latin American leader in 1989, when it ousted Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. That intervention was quick and largely successful but did not prevent President George H.W. Bush from losing his re-election in 1992, mainly due to economic issues. Some critics, including Democrats, called Trump’s Venezuela action risky and potentially unlawful, since it was conducted without Congress’s approval. Senate leader Chuck Schumer warned that the U.S. could be drawn into a costly foreign war. A few Republican figures also expressed concern. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a staunch Trump ally, described the raid as a betrayal of the 2024 campaign promise to avoid foreign conflicts. Right-wing commentator Candace Owens criticized the operation on social media, calling it a CIA-backed "hostile takeover" of another country. Despite this, many Trump supporters and influencers praised the operation. Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, called the raid "bold and brilliant," reflecting the hawkish sentiment in the MAGA movement. Trump officials framed the operation as a law enforcement action against Maduro, who faces drug-related charges and a court hearing in New York. Several MAGA influencers supported Trump's broader goal of asserting U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Activist Laura Loomer argued that the U.S. must control Venezuela’s oil to prevent rivals like China, Russia, and Iran from benefiting. Nikki Haley, who lost the 2024 Republican primary to Trump, labeled Maduro a "brutal socialist dictator" and said Venezuelans deserve freedom. Even some isolationist-leaning Republicans took a cautious stance. Senator Rand Paul did not openly criticize the raid but warned that success would depend on avoiding heavy monetary or human costs. Experts say that the MAGA movement is not strictly isolationist. Matt McManus, a political science professor at Spelman College, noted that Trump supporters have previously backed strikes in Iran and other assertive foreign actions. He said the movement tends to follow Trump’s lead rather than adhere to strict ideological consistency. Analysts agree that the long-term test will come if U.S. involvement in Venezuela deepens. The use of American troops remains a possibility, and such a scenario could challenge Trump’s control over his party and his base. Dante Scala, a professor at the University of New Hampshire, called the Venezuela operation an "acid test" for MAGA loyalty, saying it will show whether the movement acts in line with Trump’s guidance or broader principles. For now, Trump’s base is largely cheering the capture of Maduro, seeing it as a rare political and military success. But the operation’s future impact on U.S. politics and the midterm elections remains uncertain.