Tuesday, January 06, 2026

Evangelical Leaders Respond to Trump's Action in Venezuela

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Several Evangelical leaders across the country have responded to President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States has captured dictator Nicolás Maduro during a military strike in Caracas and will run Venezuela until a new transition plan is in place. Offering public praise, leaders, including the Rev. Franklin Graham and Ambassador Mike Huckabee, linked the operation to justice, spiritual deliverance, and national security.

Here's what they had to say.

Be informed, not misled.

The Christian Post reported that Trump said, "The mission was carried out without any American casualties or equipment loss. He called it one of the most successful military operations in recent history and announced that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela’s government until a 'safe, proper, and judicious transition'" could occur.

The Post says, Maduro, previously charged in the U.S. on drug and weapons offenses, was the leader of the Cartel of the Suns and is the first target in the Narcotics Rewards Program to carry a $50 million bounty, according to the U.S. State Department.

Maduro, previously charged in the U.S. on drug and weapons offenses, was the leader of the Cartel of the Suns and is the first target in the Narcotics Rewards Program to carry a $50 million bounty, according to the U.S. State Department.

Maduro had long been accused of running a narco-terrorism operation in coordination with FARC and other armed groups, and of violently repressing dissent in Venezuela.

On July 28, 2024, an election was held in which Maduro was declared the victor, giving him a third term in office. It was believed worldwide that his authoritarian regime had committed massive fraud to steal the election victory from opposition candidate Edmundo González.

Elvis Amoroso, president of the National Electoral Council and a Maduro ally, had declared that Maduro had won with 51% compared to 44% for González, with only 80% of the votes counted.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado insisted that González, a 74-year-old retired diplomat who took her place on the presidential ballot after the Maduro regime banned her from running, had won 70% of the vote compared to 30% for Maduro.

The Left is responding, for the most part, negatively to President Trump's actions, but most clear-thinking Americans understand what just happened.

Some Christian leaders certainly understand.

Via the Christian Post.

1. Franklin Graham: 

'We have a president who takes action.'

Graham, president of both Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, called the capture of Maduro “incredible work” and praised Trump as a leader who “does what he says he’s going to do.”

On X, he expressed gratitude for the U.S. military’s execution of the mission and said Venezuelans were likely relieved that “this evil dictator” was gone.

Maduro’s regime was marked by widespread political repression, economic collapse, mass displacement and allegations of violent crackdowns. Millions fled the country to escape poverty and persecution, making his removal a potential source of hope for those who suffered under his rule or lost everything during his time in power.

Franklin also asked his followers to "Pray for President Trump and his team to have wisdom from God as they assess what the next steps need to be."

2. Mike Huckabee: 

'Maduro’s fall weakens Hezbollah’s reach.'

Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel and a longtime Evangelical leader, called the capture of Maduro a major blow not only to a corrupt regime in Latin America but to a larger network of global militant activity.

Writing on X, Huckabee said, “Hezbollah is embedded there & financed by Iran,” linking the Venezuelan government under Maduro to one of the most prominent Iranian-backed armed groups in the Middle East.

Hezbollah, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S., has long been suspected of operating in parts of Latin America, including Venezuela, through money laundering, drug trafficking, and the exploitation of weak state systems. Maduro’s government, under sanctions for years, maintained ties with Iran and received financial and military support from Tehran.

By calling attention to Hezbollah’s presence in Venezuela, Huckabee implied that Maduro’s fall disrupted an arm of Iran’s influence operating close to the U.S. border.

He called the raid “good news for the whole world,” suggesting its relevance beyond Venezuela or the Western Hemisphere.

Huckabee also responded to a statement released by Hamas, which condemned the U.S. military operation and called for international intervention.

Huckabee posted, “You can always count on Hamas to be on [the] wrong side of EVERYTHING. @POTUS is right — they have to go!”

3. Michael Youssef: 

'Hopes raised for oppressed people'

Michael Youssef, an Egyptian-American Evangelical pastor and the founder of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, wrote that Trump had “raised the hopes of millions of oppressed people everywhere in the world.

Known for his focus on Christian persecution and authoritarian regimes, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, Youssef suggested that the U.S. president's action is a global message to authoritarian governments around the world.

4. John Amanchukwu:

'Lives were saved by capturing Maduro the Monster.'

John Amanchukwu, a North Carolina-based Evangelical pastor, author and conservative activist, wrote on X, describing Maduro as “the Monster” and saying his capture had saved lives.

Known for his outspoken commentary on cultural and political issues, Amanchukwu called the raid a decisive moral victory.

Amanchukwu also pointed to the timing of Maduro’s capture, noting that it came just hours after the Venezuelan leader had met with Chinese officials to discuss strategic alliances. Referring to that meeting, he wrote, “This [is] how it’s done!! I love it!!”

The remark suggested that the raid disrupted Maduro’s efforts to strengthen ties with foreign powers, including China, which has maintained economic and political cooperation with Venezuela despite U.S. sanctions.

Amanchukwu also shared a video on YouTube titled “Over 10 Minutes of Venezuelans Celebrating Their Liberation and President Trump!” capturing reactions from the Venezuelan diaspora.

In the video, a Venezuelan American speaker recounted how the Maduro regime had stripped his family of their savings, property, and livelihood, describing the experience as part of a national collapse that had driven millions to flee.

The speaker said Venezuela had become an occupied state, naming Iranian militias, Chinese corporations, and Russian intelligence as the foreign powers exploiting the country’s institutions and resources.

The testimony suggested that Maduro’s fall was a moment of possible relief from long-term foreign interference and repression.

5. Pastor Jack Graham:

'Freedom for our Venezuelan congregation'

Jack Graham, senior pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, said members of his congregation, many with roots in Venezuela, were celebrating the capture of Maduro.

He wrote on X that “a large number of Venezuelans in @PrestonwoodEsp” were rejoicing at the end of what he called a “cruel dictatorship,” saying it has opened “the door to freedom for their friends and families.”

Graham, a Southern Baptist who is among Trump's spiritual advisors, praised the president for delivering “justice to the evil actors around the world” and described the operation as an example of “peace through strength."

Takeaway

Yesterday afternoon, Captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty during a historic arraignment in Manhattan, where he faces an indictment on various conspiracy charges, as well as the potential for decades in prison.

“I’m innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country,” Maduro, 63, said.

The former dictator entered a Manhattan courtroom on Jan. 5 around 12:01 p.m. ET, and could be seen wearing his blue prison uniform. Both he and his wife wore headsets to hear the proceedings translated.

I'll be talking more about this, and about political freedom, this morning on our radio program. Please join me from anywhere in the world.

Be Informed. Be Discerning. Be Vigilant. Be Engaged. Be  Prayerful. 

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