Donald Trump has stirred significant controversy with his recent actions involving Venezuela. Reports indicate that Trump personally oversaw a coup that resulted in the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, ultimately bringing them to the U.S. This move has been criticized as a blatant attempt to seize Venezuela’s oil resources under the pretense of restoring democracy to a nation struggling with political instability.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has made efforts to unseat Maduro. In May 2020, a botched coup attempt known as Operation Gideon was orchestrated with the help of Venezuelan dissidents and private security contractors. The plan centered around allegations of fraudulent elections in 2019, where many believed that oppositional leader Juan Guaidó was the legitimate president. Maduro’s administration has faced international condemnation for its human rights abuses, further complicating the dire political situation in the country.
A new documentary titled Men of War delves into Operation Gideon, offering a detailed account of the events surrounding the coup attempt. The film features interviews with key players, including Jordan Goudreau, the former Special Forces operative who led the charge. Executive-produced by notable filmmaker Adam McKay, the documentary critically examines how foreign governments can influence regime changes, often leaving chaos in their wake.
Men of War presents Goudreau’s narrative, exploring his background as a soldier and the subsequent challenges he faced upon returning home—experiences shared by many veterans. The film highlights the severe lack of support veterans often receive, pushing some into private contracting and perilous endeavors similar to those they undertook in the military.
Goudreau’s attempt at the Venezuela coup unfolded with plans to infiltrate the country by boat and arrest key officials, including Maduro. His connections to individuals linked to the Trump administration, specifically Keith Schiller, who had previously worked as Trump’s bodyguard, have elevated discussions about the U.S. government’s role in orchestrating the coup. However, official denials have muddled the narrative around these connections.
Despite mixed reviews regarding Goudreau’s character, the film portrays him as a sympathetic figure—a man disillusioned by the realization that after his sacrifices, he received little support from the country he served. His attempt to save those involved in the failed operation shows a complexity that the documentary captures well.
Men of War not only humanizes Goudreau but also examines the broader implications of American foreign policy in Latin America. It serves as a reminder of the repercussions that U.S.-led coups can have—not only on the nations involved but also on the individuals who execute these plans under governmental directives. As Goudreau awaits trial for charges related to his actions during the coup attempt, the documentary underscores the often overlooked stories of those left behind in the pursuit of geopolitical ambitions.
Men of War is now available for rent, offering an essential perspective on a significant yet troubling chapter in U.S. history. The film invites viewers to reflect critically on the costs of American interventions abroad and the human consequences of such geopolitical maneuvers.