For somebody who fled a dictatorship when she was younger, you’d think Martina Navratilova would have been thrilled about the news surrounding Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro.
Instead, she thinks it’s President Trump who is the “serial criminal.”
The tennis legend is facing intense criticism on social media after labeling the President “insane” in response to the recent U.S. military operation that captured Maduro.
The operation, which led to widespread celebrations among Venezuelans both in their home country and abroad, has reignited debates over U.S. foreign policy and Trump’s leadership style.
“He is absolutely insane. Not to mention this is completely illegal,” Navratilova wrote on X without evidence.
“Peace president my a–! Trump is breaking more laws than all the previous presidents combined. A serial criminal on so many different fronts!” Navratilova wrote in another post.
Peace president my ass!
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) January 4, 2026
trump is breaking more laws than all the previous presidents combined. A serial criminal on so many different fronts! https://t.co/FtiBsphKlJ
Fans Start Serving Up Some Heat Toward Martina Navratilova
Suffice it to say, Martina Navratilova’s take was extremely ignorant, and a whole bunch of fans on social media took notice. Critics quickly piled on, urging the 18-time Grand Slam champion to “stick to tennis.”
Or alternately, shut up and volley.
“Please go back to playing and talking about games. You have no credibility as a political pundit,” one woman responded on X. “Sit down.”
“It’s a shame y’all hate Trump more than you love your fellow man. Again, why did you leave your country?” another fired back.
Another quipped, “Stick to talking about hitting a furry ball with a stick net.”
Looks perfectly legal to me. They dotted the i's and crossed the T's. You are mostly wrong about everything. Mostly.
— WINSTON YALE ROSS LIPTON (@whosWYRLisTHIS) January 4, 2026
READ MORE: Jordon Hudson Stands Strong Amid Criticism in New Year Message
Not Everything She Says is Crazy
The operation to grab Maduro was nearly flawless. There were no American troop casualties. And the U.S. managed to capture a wanted fugitive dictator without much hassle.
Maduro and his wife were indicted on a range of charges in the Southern District of New York, and may make an initial court appearance as early as Monday.
Navratilova’s political views have long been complex. Having fled Soviet-influenced authoritarianism as a teenager, she has drawn parallels between her experiences and what she sees in Trump’s actions. Which is bat guano crazy.
However, she has aligned with conservatives on issues like protecting women’s sports from transgender participation, collaborating with figures such as Riley Gaines and Jennifer Sey, and supporting Trump’s stance in that arena.
Navratilova has also joined coalitions condemning regimes like Iran’s and defended J.K. Rowling on transgender topics.