Trump Maduro capture address, US runs Venezuela transition, Nicolás Maduro US custody, Venezuela military strike 2026, and Trump Mar-a-Lago speech have dominated global headlines as the president outlines bold plans post-operation.
In a stunning national address from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, President Donald Trump declared victory after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in an overnight military raid, announcing the United States will temporarily “run” the country to oversee a transition and revive its vast oil industry.
The operation unfolded early Saturday, January 3, 2026, with explosions rocking Caracas as elite U.S. units, including Delta Force, stormed Maduro’s fortified residence at Fort Tiuna. Trump posted a photo on Truth Social showing a blindfolded Maduro in custody aboard the USS Iwo Jima, en route to New York for trial on 2020 narco-terrorism charges, now expanded.
“We’re going to run the country until a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” Trump stated, flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other officials. He promised major U.S. oil companies would invest billions to fix decaying infrastructure, reimbursed via revenues from Venezuela’s massive reserves—the world’s largest at over 300 billion barrels.
Trump hailed the raid as “brilliant,” with no U.S. fatalities and Venezuelan forces quickly overwhelmed. He referenced months of buildup, including Caribbean deployments and anti-drug strikes, framing it as justice for alleged cartel ties flooding America with drugs.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed Maduro faces the “full wrath of American justice” in New York courts.
Reactions poured in swiftly. Republicans largely applauded, with VP JD Vance praising the planning. Democrats decried it as unauthorized overreach risking endless conflict. Internationally, Russia and Iran condemned aggression; Argentina’s Javier Milei cheered “long live freedom.” Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, now interim leader, demanded Maduro’s release and mobilized defenses, contradicting Trump’s claim of her cooperation.
Experts note legal debates over War Powers and international law, echoing past interventions like Noriega’s 1989 capture. No congressional consultation occurred pre-operation, citing leak fears.
For U.S. readers, this could slash gas prices long-term via boosted supply, create energy jobs, and curb migration/drug flows from Venezuela’s crisis. Politically, it amplifies foreign policy divides, potentially impacting alliances and midterm narratives. Economically, markets eye volatility but eventual gains from stabilized output.
As Trump Maduro capture address, US runs Venezuela transition, Nicolás Maduro US custody, Venezuela military strike 2026, and Trump Mar-a-Lago speech trend worldwide, the world watches Venezuela’s uncertain path ahead.
By Sam Michael
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