New Jersey, January 3rd, 2026 — The Trump administration’s illegal bombing of Venezuela’s capital and kidnapping of its president early on January 3rd were not driven by a newfound conviction to restore “democracy” to the country. Nor, despite official claims by the U.S. State Department and hawkish media figures, were these actions about drug trafficking or terrorism. This flagrant violation of national sovereignty is about advancing the interests of spurned U.S. oil companies that wish to once again plunder Venezuela’s resources and exploit its people — another act of violence at the demand of American Capital.
Never in the past 200 years of American imperial hegemony over the Western Hemisphere has the US been a force for good. Instead, we recognize that the real enemy is at home, not in Venezuela. There should be no confusion about the intentions of this round of American bombs, regardless of any criticism towards the Venezuelan government. Trump and Rubio are furious that Venezuela can pursue its own destiny and now are trying to destroy the gains of the Bolivarian Revolution, as they also hope to overthrow the Cuban Revolution. The rhetoric leading up to today and the now violent follow-through towards regime change joins the long history of the United States actualizing the wrongful belief it owns Latin America.
South Jersey DSA condemns the abduction of the president of Venezuela and stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people against U.S. aggression. We oppose any US takeover of Venezuela and stand firmly on the side of the self determination of Venezuela’s people, not Exxon Mobil. We encourage not just mobilizing for the multitude of anti-war actions that will inevitably spring across the country in the wake of these attacks, but to also join the ongoing demand for an end to U.S. imperialism the world over.
South Jersey DSA is a local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, the largest socialist organization in the United States. Capitalism depresses wages and raises the cost of living for the profits of a few; SJDSA believes that together, through organizing the working-class, we can end the political status quo and transition to a truly democratic society.
Contact: southnj@dsanj.org