President Donald Trump just pulled off a jaw-dropping military move in Venezuela that’s got his family cheering and sidestepping in equal measure.
On Saturday, January 3, 2026, Trump ordered a swift U.S. strike that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, igniting a firestorm of reactions from his children, with Don Jr. and Eric Trump vocally backing the raid while Ivanka Trump stays mum on the matter.
Don Jr. was quick to hit social media, praising the raid and noting the plight of Venezuelan refugees. “In all fairness there’s tens of thousands of Venezuelans in NYC and hundreds of thousands in other cities all over America because they had to flee the dictatorial regime there,” he posted on X. Well, he’s not wrong—decades of oppression have pushed countless families into American cities, but let’s hope this operation doesn’t turn into another endless foreign entanglement.
Eric Trump, never one to shy away from a bold statement, reposted his father’s announcement with his own spin. He dubbed it the continuation of a “FAFO” era—meaning, mess around and face the consequences. That’s a catchy line, but conservatives should still demand clear metrics on what “victory” looks like here.
Both brothers seem locked in step with their father’s decisive action. Their posts suggest a belief that this raid could be a turning point for Venezuelans, both at home and in diaspora communities. Yet, without hard data on the operation’s scope, it’s tough to gauge if this is a true win or just a flashy headline.
Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump has stayed conspicuously quiet on the Venezuela operation. Instead, she’s posting on Instagram about family time and personal reflections as the new year kicks off. Her focus on domestic tranquility over global politics raises eyebrows, but perhaps it’s a deliberate pivot.
Ivanka shared images of her husband, Jared Kushner, their three children, and moments of introspection for 2025. “Starting the year surrounded by family, fresh air, and grateful hearts,” she wrote. Fair enough—who doesn’t value family—but some might wonder if this silence on a major policy move signals a deeper rift.
After all, Ivanka has publicly distanced herself from the political arena, once declaring a strong aversion to the game. Her past statements and recent focus on personal matters suggest she’s carving a separate path. Still, in a family so tied to public life, opting out entirely feels like a statement of its own.
Let’s not forget Ivanka’s recent international engagements, like her attendance at a Tel Aviv rally in October 2025 celebrating a Gaza ceasefire. There, alongside Jared, she spoke of lasting peace and relayed her father’s support to the Israeli crowd. That’s a far cry from commenting on military raids closer to home.
She’s also taken on a role with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Advisory Board, a $100 million initiative tied to the 2026 World Cup ticket sales. Joined by high-profile names like Serena Williams and Shakira, the fund aims to support education for 100,000 children across over 200 countries. It’s a noble cause, but some might ask if her energy is too scattered to weigh in on family policy moves.
The World Cup final, set for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, ties into this global project. Ivanka’s involvement here shows her priorities lean toward humanitarian efforts over military commentary. That’s her prerogative, but it contrasts sharply with her brothers’ full-throated support.
So, what’s the takeaway from this Trump family split? Don Jr. and Eric are all-in on the Venezuela raid, framing it as a blow against tyranny, while Ivanka seems content to focus on family and global goodwill. It’s a dynamic that mirrors broader conservative debates—action versus restraint.
From a right-of-center view, the raid might signal strength, but it also demands accountability. Every military move, no matter how swift, must be weighed against domestic priorities like border security and economic stability, issues that hit working-class Americans hardest. No one gets a free pass, not even a popular administration.
In the end, this family divide could be less about disagreement and more about differing roles. The Trump siblings each play to their strengths—Don Jr. and Eric as vocal defenders, Ivanka as a softer, personal voice. But as the Venezuela story unfolds, conservatives must keep asking: What’s the real cost, and who’s footing the bill?
