Mamdani slams US strike on Venezuela, denounces 'blatant regime change'

Vows to safeguard Venezuelan community following US strike, monitoring the situation, issuing relevant guidance

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Saturday that he telephoned President Donald Trump “directly” to voice opposition to what he called a “pursuit of regime change” in Venezuela after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight operation.

“I called the president and spoke with him directly to register my opposition to this act,” Mamdani told reporters during a press conference.

He said his objection was rooted in opposition to a “pursuit of regime change” and actions he believes violate federal and international law that should be upheld consistently.

Earlier in the day, Mamdani posted on the US social media company X, calling the US operation in Venezuela “an act of war” and a “blatant pursuit of regime change.”

I was briefed this morning on the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as well as their planned imprisonment in federal custody here in New York City.

Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) January 3, 2026

“I was briefed this morning on the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, as well as their planned imprisonment in federal custody here in New York City,” Mamdani wrote.

“Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” he added.

The mayor stressed that such “blatant pursuit of regime change” not only affects those abroad, but its impact extends beyond Venezuela and could directly impact tens of thousands of Venezuelans living in New York.

“My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance,” he added.

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His remarks came after the US carried out a "large-scale strike" on Venezuela, with President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores also "captured and flown out" of the country, later en route to New York City, where they will face federal charges, according to President Donald Trump.