The Fall of Maduro

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States carried out a large-scale military operation against Venezuela, claiming that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and removed from the country.

In a social media post, Trump said he would address the nation later in the day. Speaking separately to Fox News, he said he followed the operation from Mar-a-Lago in Florida, adding that it had been planned for several days but delayed due to weather conditions.

Trump reported that a limited number of injuries occurred and that no U.S. personnel were killed. He said the United States would play a role in shaping Venezuela’s next steps and disclosed that he spoke with Maduro about a week earlier, with negotiations continuing until the final moments.

The president also signaled that Washington would be heavily involved in Venezuela’s oil industry. The operation was welcomed by some Republican lawmakers, while several Democrats raised concerns over the lack of congressional authorization.

According to Trump, Maduro was being transported to New York to face U.S. narcotics trafficking charges dating back to 2020. Attorney General Pam Bondi said on social media that Maduro and Flores would face justice in American courts.

In Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced she had assumed control of the government, condemned U.S. actions, demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores, and called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López warned the country would resist foreign troops and confirmed strikes in Caracas and nearby states, with casualty figures still being assessed.