On Saturday, President Trump made a startling announcement regarding the recent military operation in Venezuela, stating that the United States would take control of the country until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" can be achieved following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking from his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Trump described the U.S. assault in Venezuela as unprecedented, likening it to military actions that have not been seen since World War II.
President Trump emphasized that the U.S. is fully prepared to execute a second, larger military strike if necessary, although he expressed confidence that such an action might not be required. He reassured the public that no American service members were killed during the operation, stating, "We're not afraid of boots on the ground," and underscored the intention to ensure that Venezuela is governed properly and responsibly.
In his remarks, Trump highlighted that the U.S. takeover of Venezuela would not incur costs for American taxpayers. He proclaimed that the country would be reimbursed through oil revenues, pointing out that Venezuela is home to one of the world’s largest known oil reserves. Despite its vast resources, the Venezuelan oil industry has struggled due to years of mismanagement, corruption, and economic sanctions. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Venezuela produced a mere 0.8% of global crude oil in 2023.
Trump stated, "We're going to rebuild the oil infrastructure," noting that the costs would be covered by oil companies. He asserted that the U.S. would work to restore Venezuelan oil production to its full potential, ensuring that the natural wealth of the country benefits the American economy as well.
During the address, Trump confirmed that the current oil embargo on Venezuela remains in effect and that a strong U.S. naval presence will be maintained in the region. He insisted that all military options would remain on the table until the U.S. demands are fully met. When asked about the military's role in Venezuela, he affirmed that there would indeed be a military presence as part of the mission to secure oil resources.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a "massive joint military and law enforcement raid" that was executed flawlessly. Trump further elaborated that Maduro and his wife were apprehended after the U.S. carried out a large-scale strike, disclosing that Maduro was located in a highly fortified residence at the time of capture.
Following Maduro's capture, Trump confirmed that he was being transported to New York, where he will face charges that include narco-terrorism. Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed earlier that Maduro had been indicted in the Southern District of New York, stating, "Maduro and his wife will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts." The indictment alleges that Maduro conspired with the Colombian guerrilla group FARC to traffic cocaine and weapons into the United States.
Trump shared details about the operation, describing the fortified house where Maduro was captured, equipped with steel doors and a safety space. He noted that despite the stronghold's defenses, the operation was executed successfully without needing extensive breaching tools. He praised the operation's outcome, emphasizing that it was remarkable that no U.S. troops were killed during the raid.
In conclusion, Trump remarked that the U.S. was ready to initiate the operation days earlier but delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions. "We were going to do this four days ago, but the weather was not perfect," he explained, highlighting the careful planning and execution that led to the successful capture of Maduro.