Dan Walker has sparked an influx of fierce online backlash after criticising world leaders for failing to condemn US President Donald Trump following a dramatic military operation in Venezuela.
Yesterday, the Potus announced that US forces had launched a large-scale strike on Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
According to initial reports, approximately 150 US aircraft took part in the mission, including F-22s, F-35s and B-1 bombers.
Elite special forces units, including Delta Force and the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, carried out a ground operation to detain Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores at their compound in Caracas.
Dan Walker questioned the international response to the intervention
| GETTYEarly reports indicated that at least 40 Venezuelans were killed during the operation, including both military personnel and civilians.
President Trump said the United States would "run" Venezuela following the major military operation.
In response, the former BBC Breakfast presenter, 48, took to social media platform X to share his reaction, questioning the international response to the intervention.
“I am not pretending to be an expert on Venezuela but it is uncomfortable to watch world leaders trying their best not to criticise President Trump for steamrollering years of political procedure & precedent in removing Maduro and now claiming the US will ‘run’ the country,” Mr Walker wrote, adding: "FIFA might want to rethink the ‘peace prize."
His comments quickly caused a stir online, with some accusing the broadcaster of speaking from a position of privilege.
Donald Trump vowed to 'make Venezuela great again' as he announced his plan to run the country
|Venezuela LIVE
One critic wrote: “Just look at the videos from the Venezuelan people on YouTube, wind your neck in from your London coffee shop.”
Mr Walker responded directly, correcting the assumption. “I live in Sheffield,” he replied.
Another user took a more measured approach, saying: “I have a lot of respect for you Dan as a presenter and other work but I think this is one where people need to refrain from comments until we hear from the Venezuelans themselves.”
Mr Walker again engaged, replying: “Appreciate that Steve. I have seen the response of many Venezuelans. I think the international concern is over the unilateral decision making and the discussion around access to their natural resources.
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I am not pretending to be an expert on Venezuela but it is uncomfortable to watch world leaders trying their best not to criticise President Trump for steamrollering years of political procedure & precedent in removing Maduro and now claiming the US will ‘run’ the country.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) January 3, 2026
FIFA…
“What is to stop Putin doing the same in Ukraine or elsewhere? Which country is next on the list for the USA?”
However, others accused Mr Walker of holding what they described as “luxury beliefs”.
“Luxury belief. Venezuelans are freer than they were 24 hours ago. They are celebrating on the streets. They care nothing for your delicate western liberal sensibilities,” one user said.
Another added: “I’m sure the Venezuelans are happy & that’s what counts here. Strange how you think it’s ok to be run by a dictator. Would you be happy?”
Some commenters went further, defending Trump’s actions outright.
“Trump is ensuring world peace. You might not like it but this is what it takes,” one wrote, while another said: “So you support a dictator and terrorist, what a surprise.”
Others resorted to personal attacks. “I’d stick to reading your autocue mate,” one wrote. Another added: “Shut up Dan, typical woke s***, a ruthless dictator removed and on trial for peddling a cartel of drugs. Read the room, Venezuelans are celebrating.”
The controversy is not the first time Walker has found himself at the centre of debate over comments related to Donald Trump.
Dan Walker clapped back at commenters on his X post
| ITVIn 2019, Mr Walker was involved in a high-profile BBC impartiality row after discussing Trump’s tweets telling four congresswomen of colour to “go back” to where they came from.
During a BBC Breakfast broadcast, Mr Walker invited co-host Naga Munchetty to share her view.
She described the comments as “embedded in racism”, prompting a formal complaint accusing both presenters of political bias.
The complaint claimed Mr Walker “repeatedly expressed incredulity” that anyone could defend Trump’s remarks.
In 2020, Mr Walker defended the segment, later stating that he believed the BBC should have offered stronger backing to its presenters.
As of January 2026, Mr Walker remains publicly non-partisan, though his views are often shaped by his devout Evangelical Christian faith and emphasis on procedural integrity.
He has never declared a party affiliation, but is known for social conservatism, including his long-standing refusal to work on Sundays, alongside a moderate and often critical stance toward populist leadership.