Venezuelans celebrate Trump
“This is a huge deal for us”
Updated on January 4, 2026 – 12:45 p.mReading time: 3 minutes
Chile, Argentina, Colombia: Venezuelans who have emigrated are currently celebrating Maduro’s removal from power in numerous countries. For these reasons, their relief is great.
Almost eight million people have emigrated from crisis-ridden Venezuela over the years – and now, after the US military operation and the capture of the left-wing nationalist head of state Nicolás Maduro, there is immense joy and relief among the migrants spread across numerous countries. Many Venezuelans want to return home as quickly as possible. “We can finally go back home,” cheered street vendor Yurimar Rojas in Chile.
Venezuelan migrants are often not welcomed in the receiving countries. This is particularly true in Chile, where the future ultra-right President José Antonio Kast has announced the deportation of almost 340,000 undocumented immigrants living in the country, the majority of whom come from Venezuela.
In the center of the capital Santiago, a loudly celebrating crowd of Venezuelans gathered on the streets on Saturday. Many wore the Venezuelan national colors of yellow, blue and red.
“This is a huge deal for us,” said 61-year-old saleswoman Yasmery Gallardo about the ouster of Maduro, under whose 13-year rule the economic situation in Venezuela deteriorated dramatically and the political opposition was left with less and less room to breathe. Gallardo has lived in Chile for eight years. Now she is already planning her return. “I can’t wait to return to my country,” she said.
Hundreds of Venezuelans also celebrated on the streets in Miami, Florida. Some euphorically kissed the Venezuelan flag. “Thanks, Trump!” one of the party participants shouted at the address of the US President. “Today, January 3, the dreams of Venezuelans abroad have come true,” said one of the celebrants, Ana González.
In the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, 39-year-old Carlos Sierra said during the spontaneous Venezuelan street party about the US military operation: “Nobody wants an invasion and bombing (…), but it was necessary.” Sierra, who emigrated from Venezuela in 2017, added: “This gives you hope that you can return to your country.”
The neighboring country of Colombia has taken in most of the Venezuelan migrants – there are almost three million. In the capital Bogotá, Venezuelan hairdresser Kevin Zambrano was “happy, happy, happy” and thanked US President Trump for “helping Venezuela.”
