Overview
- Reuters reports growing frustration among senior White House aides and Republican lawmakers who want the president to prioritize affordability and healthcare over the Maduro capture.
- Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, deputy James Blair and Vice President JD Vance have urged a domestic focus, as GOP lawmakers privately question the emphasis on foreign policy after Trump said the U.S. would "run" Venezuela.
- The White House says the economy remains the top priority and points to housing moves, while commissioning polling and enlisting right‑wing influencers to test messages linking the Venezuela action to benefits at home.
- Republican strategists are pushing arguments that the mission could lower fuel prices and curb migration and drug flows, as figures like Stephen Miller and Marco Rubio contend a show of strength can align with America First.
- Polling shows only about one‑third approve of Trump’s handling of the economy and a similar share back the Venezuela strike, and former press secretary Sean Spicer cautions the president could pay a political price if pocketbook issues feel neglected.