Survey cites U.S. threats, oil interests as drivers of national cohesion.

Dataviva released a poll showing that Venezuelans are united around defending their country’s sovereignty. Conducted between Sept. 1 and 15, the survey indicates a notable rise in approval of President Nicolas Maduro’s administration, attributed to its handling of recent U.S. actions.

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Currently, 89% of citizens believe Venezuela is a sovereign nation that cannot be threatened by any foreign power, while 11% disagreed.

The Dataviva poll also confirms that defending sovereignty transcends traditional political divisions and has become a rallying point for the majority of Venezuelans.

Regarding the motives behind U.S. actions, 88.9% of respondents said they view them as an attempt by U.S. President Donald Trump to oust President Maduro. Only 11.1% believed the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean was aimed at fighting international drug trafficking.

The willingness to defend national sovereignty also showed significant results: 77% of those surveyed said they would be willing to defend the country against a possible foreign attack, while 23% were either unwilling or declined to respond.

Oil at the center of the conflict

Breaking with Washington’s narrative, 91% of Venezuelans said they believe control of oil is the real reason behind Trump’s threats.

This perception aligns with international data that contradicts the U.S. narrative of a “global war on drugs.” The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s 2025 World Drug Report shows Venezuela remains free of illicit crops.

The report also gives Venezuela only minimal mention as a route for drug trafficking to the United States and Europe, undermining Washington’s justification for its actions.

Most respondents told Dataviva they see the anti-drug rationale as a mere pretext to achieve territorial and energy control.

Shifts in political support

The Dataviva survey also documented an increase in support for President Maduro, rising six percentage points from 64% in August to 70% in September.

The poll further reflects the impact of the crisis on perceptions of other political actors. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado recorded a 92% disapproval rate, while 97% of Venezuelans expressed rejection of U.S. President Trump.

These indicators suggest external pressure has generated national cohesion, strengthening the Venezuelan government while damaging the image of its main domestic and foreign opponents.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: Dataviva

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