Trump Announces Capture of Maduro, Announces Charges and Plans Press Conference
Updated (3 articles)
Trump Declares Maduro and Cilia Flores Captured and Airlifted Out On January 3, 2026, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that U.S. forces had seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores during a large‑scale strike and flown them to the United States [1][2]. He described the operation as “brilliant” and scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. local time to detail the action [1]. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that both leaders face indictments in the Southern District of New York on counts including Narco‑Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, and possession of machine guns [1][2].
Joint Military‑Law Enforcement Strike Executed With Speed and Precision The operation combined U.S. special‑operations forces with federal law‑enforcement agencies, according to Trump’s statements [1]. Analysts noted the strike’s rapid execution, likely involving a substantial air package and the carrier USS Gerald R. Ford positioned in the Caribbean as part of a broader anti‑drug buildup [3]. The White House redirected inquiries to Trump’s post, while the Pentagon offered no comment during off‑hours [3].
Venezuelan Government Responds With State of Emergency and Uncertainty Caracas denounced the raid as an imperialist attack, declared a state of emergency, and asserted that Maduro’s whereabouts were unknown, as did the vice president [1][2]. Maduro himself claimed the U.S. aimed to oust him and condemned the blockade of Venezuela’s oil wealth [3]. The constitution provides for a power transfer to the vice president, but opposition leaders and potential election scenarios remain under discussion [2].
Global Leaders Question Legality and Demand Clarification Russia’s Foreign Ministry demanded an immediate explanation, labeling the alleged capture an act of armed aggression and a violation of sovereignty [2]. European officials urged de‑escalation and respect for international law while noting Maduro’s contested legitimacy [2]. In the U.S., lawmakers split over the legality of the strike, with Rep. Melanie Stansbury calling it illegal and Sen. Mike Lee arguing it may fall within presidential authority [3].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: Trump says U.S. captured Maduro in large-scale strike: Details Trump’s claim, Bondi’s indictments, state of emergency, and Deputy Secretary Landau’s “tyrant is gone” comment, emphasizing the U.S. narrative and planned press conference .
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2.
CNN: Maduro captured and flown out of Venezuela after US strike, Trump says: Highlights the capture, Bondi’s prosecution plans, Russian demand for clarification, EU calls for de‑escalation, and uncertainty about Venezuela’s succession .
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3.
Newsweek: U.S. strikes on Venezuela reported as Maduro reportedly captured: Focuses on video evidence of airstrikes, congressional debate over legality, prior U.S. military buildup, and Maduro’s claim the U.S. seeks to remove him .
Timeline
2025 – The United States conducts a large‑scale military buildup in the Caribbean and South American waters, deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier and killing at least 90 suspected drug smugglers in related actions, heightening tensions with Venezuela[2].
Jan 3, 2026 – Airstrikes rock Caracas, producing plumes of smoke and loud explosions; video clips circulate on social media, including one shared by a U.S. lawmaker, though independent verification remains lacking[2].
Jan 3, 2026 – President Donald Trump posts on Truth Social that Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have been captured and flown out of Venezuela following the strikes, framing the operation as a decisive blow to the regime[2][3].
Jan 3, 2026 – U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announces that Maduro and Flores are indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges of narco‑terrorism, cocaine importation, and illegal possession of machine guns, stating they will face justice on American soil[1][3].
Jan 3, 2026 – Venezuela’s government declares a state of emergency, condemning the U.S. action as an imperialist attack aimed at ousting Maduro and asserting that the operation violates Venezuelan sovereignty[3].
Jan 3, 2026 – Russia’s Foreign Ministry demands immediate clarification, labeling the alleged capture an act of armed aggression and an unacceptable breach of sovereignty, while pledging solidarity with Venezuela[1].
Jan 3, 2026 – European leaders urge respect for international law and call for a peaceful transition, emphasizing de‑escalation amid the contested legitimacy of Maduro’s rule[1].
Jan 3, 2026 – U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury calls the strikes illegal and urges congressional oversight; Senator Mike Lee argues the operation may fall within presidential authority under the Constitution[2].
Jan 3, 2026 – Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau tweets that “the tyrant is gone” and heralds “a new dawn for Venezuela,” signaling a shift in U.S. diplomatic rhetoric[3].
Jan 3, 2026 – Trump announces he will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. local time in Caracas to discuss the operation and its implications[3].
Jan 3, 2026 – In a phone interview with The New York Times, Trump describes the strike as a “brilliant operation,” praising “a lot of good planning” and “great, great troops” involved[3].
Jan 3, 2026 – Venezuela’s vice president states the government does not know Maduro’s whereabouts; the constitution provides for a power transfer to the vice president, while opposition leaders and potential elections are being debated as possible next steps[1].
External resources (8 links)
- https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/nicol-s-maduro-moros-and-14-current-and-former-venezuelan-officials-charged-narco-terrorism (cited 4 times)
- https://x.com/DeputySecState/status/2007393216535081418?s=20 (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/basedmikelee/status/2007395531023352319?s=42 (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/kajakallas/status/2007405051896123707 (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/ministerBZ/status/2007385311660388578?s=20 (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/prevotmaxime/status/2007397064246723015 (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/sanchezcastejon/status/2007410879793435112?s=20 (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/sentomcotton/status/2007419529048007012?s=46 (cited 2 times)