In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through international relations, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has been captured by American forces. The announcement, made on Saturday, January 3, 2026, follows an extensive period of escalating economic and military pressure from the United States on the South American nation.
A Stunning Announcement from Mar-a-Lago
President Trump revealed the news via his Truth Social platform, stating that U.S. forces had successfully carried out a "large scale strike" against Venezuela. He confirmed that Maduro, along with his wife, had been apprehended and subsequently flown out of the country. Trump indicated the operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies.
The former president, who was concluding a holiday vacation at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, scheduled a news conference for 11:00 AM local time (1600 GMT) to provide further details. In a brief interview with The New York Times, Trump praised the mission as "brilliant," crediting meticulous planning and the efforts of "great troops and great people."
Operation Details and Official Reactions
According to a report from CBS News, the high-risk mission to seize Maduro was executed by the U.S. Army's elite Delta Force unit. While U.S. officials had not immediately confirmed these operational specifics, political figures began to weigh in on the outcome.
Republican Senator Mike Lee, who had initially expressed criticism of the operation, posted on social media platform X after a call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Lee stated that Rubio indicated the military action was complete and that Maduro had been arrested to "stand trial" in the United States, with no further action anticipated in Venezuela.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau hailed the event as a "new dawn for Venezuela," proclaiming that "the tyrant is gone" and would finally face justice for his alleged crimes.
Background: A Long-Simmering Confrontation
This bold military action culminates months of intense pressure from the Trump administration on Maduro's government. The U.S., along with numerous European nations, has long refused to recognize the legitimacy of Maduro's presidency. In August, the Trump administration took a significant step by offering a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's capture.
The U.S. has accused Maduro of leading a major drug trafficking organization dubbed the "Cartel of the Suns" and has cited Venezuela's role as a drug exporter and its seizure of U.S. oil interests as justifications for its campaign. Trump had previously warned in October that Maduro "doesn't want to fuck around with the United States," a sentiment the White House reposted following the capture announcement.
In December, Trump suggested it would be "smart" for Maduro to step down, predicting his "days are numbered." The timing of the capture is particularly notable as it comes just two days after Maduro publicly attempted to engage with Trump, offering cooperation on issues like drug trafficking and illegal migration.
The situation remains fluid, with the international community awaiting confirmation of operational details and the formal legal proceedings that are expected to follow against the captured Venezuelan leader.
