The U.S. military action to arrest Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, has emerged as a defining event in Latin American politics. Conducted in its immediate aftermath—January 8–14, 2026—the latest TIPP Insights national survey in Colombia (n=2,051, margin of error ±2.7%) captures the public’s resounding response and reveals how this development is accelerating the advance of conservative populism across the region.
Overwhelming Approval for Maduro’s Arrest
The poll, fielded just days after the capture, shows 65% of Colombians approve of the U.S. operation, with approval climbing to 81% in the Plains region. This strong endorsement reflects deep-seated rejection of narco-linked authoritarianism and widespread support for decisive action to confront threats to regional stability. The timing is critical: the survey directly measures sentiment in the wake of this high-profile event, demonstrating that the Maduro arrest has become a powerful catalyst for pro-U.S. alignment and a game-changer for candidates who can credibly champion hemispheric security cooperation.
Trump’s Striking Popularity in Colombia
President Trump enjoys 45% approval in Colombia (disapproval 36%)—substantially higher than in many U.S. surveys and exceeding incumbent Gustavo Petro’s 39% approval. Only 25% describe current U.S.-Colombia relations as positive, yet 73% want them strengthened, and 70% say the bilateral relationship is important to their presidential vote. Colombians clearly seek a much closer, more cooperative partnership with the United States. Abelardo de la Espriella is ideally positioned to harness this sentiment, positioning himself as the candidate of renewed alliance—much as José Antonio Kast in Chile, Javier Milei in Argentina, and Nasry Asfura in Honduras have done in their respective contexts.
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