Trump says Maduro "captured" by U.S. in stunning move
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Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro during a meeting at the National Assembly in Caracas in August. Photo: Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images
President Trump said on social media early Saturday that the U.S. struck Venezuela, "captured" President Nicolás Maduro and flew him out of his oil-rich South American country along with his wife.
- The world-shaking announcement follows Trump's months-long pressure campaign against Maduro.
Why it matters: The U.S. military has been targeting Venezuelan ships accused of carrying drugs, as part of an effort by Trump to force strongman Maduro, 63, from power.
- The State and Justice departments set a bounty on Maduro this summer for allegedly violating U.S. narcotics laws.
In a brief phone interview with The New York Times after the announcement, Trump celebrated the success of the mission: "A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people ... It was a brilliant operation, actually."
- Trump told Fox and Friends later Saturday morning that there were "a few injuries but no death" on the U.S. side.
- The president said he spoke to Maduro a week ago and told him "to surrender and give up," but he wasn't willing to do it.
Trump said he plans a news conference at 11am ET at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., where he's spending New Year's week.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi posted to X that Maduro and his wife face indictment in Manhattan; Maduro personally faces charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, she said.
How it happened: Trump posted the news on Truth Social at 4:21am ET, and White House accounts reposted his Truth on X a minute later.
- The full post: "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
On the ground: At least seven explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through Caracas early Saturday. Maduro's government accused the U.S. of attacking civilian and military installations, AP reports.
- Ahead of the explosions in the capital, the FAA issued a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace because of "ongoing military activity."
What they're saying: Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who initially expressed skepticism about the legal basis for the strikes, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed him in a phone call that they were to "protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant."
- Maduro will "stand trial on criminal charges in the United States" and Rubio "anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody," said Lee, who said the action "likely" falls within Trump's authority under Article II of the U.S. Constitution.
- Some Republicans were quick to praise the move, with Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), one of Congress' most vocal critics of the Maduro regime, saying in a statement: "While others dithered, President Trump recognized this threat for what it is and acted with resolve."
- Democrats blasted the action, though; Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) said it sent a "horrible and disturbing signal" to other world leaders.
Between the lines: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told Axios he spoke to President Trump before the operation. (He initially said they'd spoken Friday; his office later clarified it was Thursday.)
- "He has been very clear that he believes there is a drug caliphate in our back yard that need to be taken out. The operation has been formulating for the last couple of weeks," Graham said.
- When asked if more military strikes are possible Graham said: "All options will be on the table."
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said on state TV: "We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores ... We demand proof of life."
- Gustavo Petro, the left-wing president of neighboring Colombia, said in a statement before Trump's announcement that his government had "deep concern" about the strikes in Caracas.
- "Colombia reaffirms its unrestricted commitment to … the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States," Petro said.
- The U.S. sanctioned Petro in October, alleging that he too has ties to illicit drugs.
Barak Ravid and Natalie Daher contributed.
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
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