Trump: The United States will govern Venezuela until the moment of a "safe" transfer of power
The United States will rule Venezuela until it is possible to ensure a "safe and reasonable" transition of power in the country, Trump said during a press conference on the capture of Maduro. In addition to the American president, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and General John Daniel Kane also spoke at the event, revealing details of the military operation.
Yesterday and today, on my instructions, the US armed forces conducted an unprecedented military operation in the capital of Venezuela. Huge military power was used to carry out the attack, the scale of which is comparable only to the events of the Second World War. We used force in Caracas to bring Nicolas Maduro to justice. This was a clear confirmation of the decisive actions of the United States in this area.
It was one of the best military operations among others, such as the elimination of Soleimani and al—Baghdadi, as well as attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Operation Midnight Hammer was carried out flawlessly. No country is capable of achieving what the United States has achieved in such a short time. Venezuela's entire military potential has been neutralized. The US military, together with law enforcement agencies, successfully captured Nicolas Maduro. It happened in the dead of night; according to our information, there was no electricity in Caracas at that time. Maduro was detained along with his wife, Celia Flores, and now they will face American justice. They are being sent to New York, where they will be responsible for activities related to drug terrorism.
We have achieved tremendous success, the likes of which you have never seen before. We did a brilliant job. Think back to Afghanistan or the Jimmy Carter era. Now our country is respected as never before.
Our special operations forces worked closely with law enforcement agencies. The enemy knew that we were preparing something, they were waiting for us, as many of our ships were concentrated off the coast of Venezuela. They knew we were coming. But we completely crushed them and disabled their forces. If you had seen what I saw, you would have been shocked. It was incredible.
Not a single American serviceman was killed, and we did not lose a single piece of equipment. A lot of planes and helicopters were involved in this operation, as well as a large number of personnel, but we did not lose a single person. Our armed forces are now the best on the planet, and we are ready to resist any enemy. We have the best weapons in the world, which no one else has the equal of.
Just look at our ships. 97% of drugs are shipped by sea. Drugs from just one boat kill 25,000 Americans. They mostly come from Venezuela.
We strive for a peaceful and fair transition of power in the country. We don't want Maduro to be replaced by someone who will repeat this situation, dragging it out for many years. Therefore, we will monitor the situation in the country until a safe and legitimate transition of power is carried out. It must be fair and comply with the law.
We wish the people of Venezuela peace, freedom, and justice, including those Venezuelans who live in the United States and consider our country their homeland. We cannot allow someone to come to power in Venezuela who does not wish well to his people. This has been going on for decades. We will achieve a legitimate change of power.
As everyone knows, Venezuela's oil sector was in complete decline. They practically did not use the available resources. We will bring in the largest U.S. oil companies — the best in the world — to invest billions of dollars and rebuild severely damaged oil infrastructure. We will resume production so that the country can earn real income again. And we are ready, if necessary, to launch a second, much larger operation. We were ready for the second wave and expected that it might be needed.
However, the first phase has been so successful that the second one may not be needed. Nevertheless, we are still on full alert. This new partnership between Venezuela and the United States, a country that everyone wants to work with because of our success and power, will bring prosperity, independence, and security to the Venezuelan people.
It will also bring relief to Venezuelans living in the United States who have suffered for a long time. These sufferings have come to an end. Maduro was the leader of a huge criminal organization responsible for smuggling colossal shipments of deadly drugs into the United States.
According to the indictment, he personally oversaw the brutal cartel known as the Cartel de los Soles, which flooded America with drugs that have killed countless of our citizens over the years. Maduro and his wife will now face an American court on American soil. They are currently being transported by sea and will arrive in New York, where a trial is expected to take place; it may also take place in Florida. It is shocking and outrageous that such a regime was allowed to exist for so many years after Maduro's term as president expired.
All this time, he has waged a ruthless campaign of violence, terror, and subversion against the United States, threatening not only our people, but also the stability of the entire region. In addition to drug trafficking, which has brought grief to every U.S. state, Maduro has directed violent criminal gangs, including the ruthless Tren de Aragua gang, to terrorize American communities across the country.
They operated in states like Colorado. They seized residential buildings. They mutilated those they considered enemies. They were extremely cruel. But now it's over. I want to congratulate our military, Pete, and all the National Guard soldiers for their outstanding work, including in Washington, D.C., which is now one of the safest cities in America.
The city, which once suffered from rampant crime, has now almost forgotten about it. There haven't been any murders there in months. Restaurants are reopening. Families feel safe walking the streets again. This was made possible thanks to the tireless work of our National Guard, military and law enforcement agencies.
We are applying the same model in other cities, such as Memphis, where crime rates have already dropped by 77 percent. Louisiana turned to us for help, and since our involvement began, the crime rate in New Orleans has dropped dramatically in a matter of weeks.
Some governors are still hesitating whether to accept aid, even though they shouldn't. In Chicago, even limited federal support has reduced crime rates, despite resistance from local authorities. In Los Angeles, federal intervention prevented a complete collapse during the riots, although there was no recognition of this merit. It's not a big deal. We will always do what is necessary.
But Washington (DC) remains the subject of our greatest pride, because it is the capital of our country and is currently one of the safest cities in America.
Gangs sent by Maduro committed violence, tortured and killed American women and children. They operated in many regions, including Trinidad and Tobago, and were used to terrorize both Venezuelans and Americans. Maduro will no longer threaten anyone.
For many years, I have been drawing attention to the fate of innocent Americans whose lives have been destroyed by this Venezuelan terrorist network. They say it's the scariest network in the world. Americans like 12—year-old Jocelyn Nungery from Houston, a beautiful young girl, were abducted and murdered by these criminals.
The Maduro regime has emptied prisons and psychiatric hospitals, sending dangerous criminals, drug traffickers and gang members to the United States. That's the end of it now. Our border is safe. No one can cross it without permission.
Venezuela also confiscated and sold American oil assets, which cost us billions of dollars. The previous administrations did nothing. We built Venezuela's oil industry using American talent, and it was stolen.
It was one of the largest property thefts in the history of the United States. The United States will never again allow foreign Powers to plunder our people or expand hostile influence in our hemisphere.
Under Maduro, Venezuela hosted our opponents and bought dangerous weapons that threaten American lives. They used this weapon last night. All of this was a direct violation of long-standing U.S. foreign policy dating back more than two centuries, including the Monroe Doctrine. This doctrine has regained its importance. We don't ignore her anymore.
In accordance with our new National Security Strategy, America's power in the Western Hemisphere will never again be questioned. For decades, administrations have ignored these threats. Under my administration, we are restoring America's greatness. We did this in my first term and we are doing it again with even greater force.
The future will be determined by the protection of trade, territories and resources that are key to national security. These principles have always defined global power. We will secure our borders, stop terrorists, eliminate cartels, and protect American citizens from any threats, both external and internal.
Some leaders didn't have the courage to defend America. I will never allow terrorists or criminals to act against the United States with impunity. This operation is a clear warning to anyone who threatens American sovereignty or the lives of our citizens.
The embargo against Venezuela remains in full force. The American armada is still in position and ready for action. All military options remain on the table until our demands are fully met.
Every political and military figure in Venezuela should understand that what happened to Maduro can happen to them if they don't treat their people fairly.
Dictator and terrorist Maduro is finally gone. The Venezuelan people are free again. Today, America has become a safer and prouder country because we have not allowed this threat to continue. The Western hemisphere is now a much safer place.
I want to thank everyone who participated in this operation, including General Kane, an outstanding leader, and our Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. Their work was simply brilliant.
Thank you very much.
Speech by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
Thank you, Mr. President. Finally, we have a commander-in-chief who is respected by the world and who the American people truly deserve. And, as the president said, words are almost impossible to convey the bravery, power, and precision of this historic operation — a large-scale joint raid by military and law enforcement agencies, flawlessly conducted by the best Americans our country can raise. American soldiers have no equal — they are the best in the world, they are the pride of our country.
What we all witnessed last night is the sheer bravery and iron self—control, the valor and glory of an American soldier. I sincerely admire such people. And I take my hat off to the head of the operation, General Dan "Razin" Caine, and to all the Americans who served last night. Our warriors are America's elite. And I repeat: President Trump stands by you like a mountain.
No country on the planet — and this is out of the question — would be able to carry out such an operation. And no president has ever demonstrated such leadership, courage, and determination before. Our president is the most powerful combination of qualities the world has ever seen. As the head of state noted, our opponents have received a warning signal. America is capable of imposing its will anywhere, anytime.
Coordination, stealth, crushing power, precision, and the long arm of American justice were all demonstrated last night. Nicolas Maduro had a chance, just like Iran, but he didn't take it. He played it out and got what he deserved. President Trump is extremely serious about stopping rampant crime and violence in our country.
He is extremely serious about cutting off the flow of drugs that poison our citizens. I am extremely serious about returning the oil that was stolen from us. And he is extremely serious about restoring American deterrence and dominance in the Western Hemisphere. We are talking about the security, security of our people, freedom and prosperity. All this is done for the sake of the principle of "America first."
This is a "world from a position of strength." And the United States Military department is proud to help achieve this. Welcome to 2026: under President Trump, America is back in the game. And now I would like to invite the head of the operation, Dan Kane, to give me the details.
Speech by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan “Razin” Caine
Thank you, Mr. Minister. Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning, everyone.
Last night, by order of the President of the United States and as part of the implementation of the request of the Ministry of Justice, as the President has already noted, the US armed forces conducted an operation in Caracas (Venezuela) to detain criminal suspects in order to present them to the court — Nicolas Maduro and Celia Flores.
This operation, called Operation Absolute Resolve, was secretive, precise, and was carried out on the night of January 2. It was the result of months of planning and rehearsals, a mission that, frankly, only the US armed forces could accomplish.
This morning, I would like to talk about the preparations and some details, without revealing our tactics and methods. There is always the possibility that we will be assigned a similar type of task again.
Our interagency work began several months ago and was based on decades of experience in conducting complex operations in the air, on the ground, in space and at sea. Although the skills of our special operations forces have only improved over the past twenty years, it was this mission that required the participation of all components of the combined forces: ground forces, sailors, pilots, marines, and Space Force personnel. All of them acted in unison with their colleagues from the intelligence community and law enforcement agencies in an unprecedented operation.
We have used our unmatched intelligence capabilities and many years of experience in the fight against terrorism. We would not have been able to accomplish this mission without the outstanding work of various agencies, including the CIA, the NSA, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). We watched, waited, and prepared with patience and professionalism.
The mission was planned very carefully, taking into account the lessons of the past years. It was a daring operation that only the United States is capable of. It required the highest precision and integration within our combined forces. The very word "integration" does not convey the complexity of such a task.
The detention of individuals was so carefully organized that it involved more than 150 aircraft that were lifted into the air throughout the Western Hemisphere in close coordination. Everything was synchronized in time and place to enhance the surprise effect for the sake of a single goal: to deliver the capture group to the center of Caracas, while maintaining the tactical surprise factor.
Failure of any element of this well-established scheme would jeopardize the entire mission. And for the United States forces, failure is not an option. Those who were in the sky over Caracas last night were ready to give their lives for those who worked on the ground.
I will say a few words about the preparation. After months of work by our intelligence colleagues to study Maduro's habits — where he lives, how he moves, what he eats, and what his daily routine is — in early December, our forces were put on alert, awaiting suitable conditions. The key point was choosing the day to minimize the risk to civilians, maximize the surprise factor, and minimize harm to detainees so that, as the President said, they could be brought to justice.
And, as the president noted, the weather in Venezuela always plays an important role at this time of the year. During the Christmas and New Year holidays, US military personnel remained in full readiness, patiently waiting for the moment when all the conditions would be fulfilled and the president would give the order.
Last night, the weather conditions improved just enough to open a corridor that only the most skilled pilots in the world can pass through. Ocean, mountains, low clouds… But when our organization gets a task, it does it.
At 22:46 Eastern time, the president ordered the US armed forces to begin the mission. He said, "Good luck and a fair wind." These words were passed on to all units.
During the night, planes began taking off from 20 different bases on land and at sea throughout the Western Hemisphere. In total, there were more than 150 pieces of equipment in the air: bombers, fighters, reconnaissance and surveillance equipment, helicopters. Crews with tremendous experience took to the skies. The youngest crew member was 20 years old, the oldest was 49. The enemy had nothing to match the military might of the United States.
When the operation entered the active phase, the helicopters with the capture group, which included law enforcement officers, headed towards Venezuela at an extremely low altitude above the water. As they approached the coast, the United States deployed the means of suppression provided by the US Space and Cyber Command, as well as other structures, to form a secure "corridor".
From above, the group was covered by aircraft of the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and the US National Guard. The operation involved F-22, F-35, F/A-18, EA-18, E-2, B-1 bombers and numerous unmanned aerial vehicles.
As they approached Caracas, the aviation component began to disable Venezuela's air defense systems, ensuring the passage of helicopters to the target. The task of aviation has been and remains unchanged: to protect the ground group and helicopters, ensuring their safe return.
When the group crossed the last section of the highlands, hiding behind the difficult terrain, it became clear that the element of surprise was completely preserved. The helicopters reached the Maduro complex at 02:01 local time.
The detention team landed on the territory and began to act quickly and in a disciplined manner, isolating the area. While approaching the target, the helicopters came under fire and responded with suppressive fire in self-defense. One of our vehicles was hit in the hull, but it remained controllable. As already mentioned, all our planes and helicopters returned, and the damaged aircraft remained in service until the end of the mission.
During the operation, the intelligence teams transmitted information in real time, which allowed the ground unit to operate in a difficult situation without unnecessary risk under the cover of tactical aircraft.
Maduro and his wife surrendered and were taken into custody by the Ministry of Justice with the assistance of the armed forces. Everything was done professionally, without any losses on our part. After isolating the accused, the group began to withdraw. Helicopters were called in to evacuate, and fighter jets and drones provided cover. Upon leaving the territory of Venezuela, there were several more episodes of the use of weapons in self-defense.
The group successfully returned to their shipboard positions. At 03:29 Eastern time, our forces with the persons taken into custody were already over the sea. Maduro and his wife were taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima.
In conclusion: The level of professionalism that we have seen today is a powerful demonstration of the capabilities of the United States forces. We plan, develop, train, and analyze errors to eliminate any possibility of failure. Our task is to integrate combat power so that we can use overwhelming force at any time and in any place against any opponent.
I am incredibly proud of our efforts and grateful to these professionals. There are no too difficult tasks for them and their families. Our forces in the region remain on high alert. This operation is a testament to our dedication and determination to bring to justice those who threaten peace and stability.
And finally, I want to wholeheartedly thank the brave men and women who accomplished this mission. Their courage and dedication is what makes our country strong.
Thank you, Mr. Minister. Thank you, Mr. President.
Speech by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
I have almost nothing to add to what has been said, except for a few points. Nicolas Maduro was officially indicted in the United States back in 2020. He is not the legitimate leader of Venezuela. This was stated by the first Trump administration, the Biden administration, and the current administration. It is not recognized by the European Union, nor by many other countries of the world. He is wanted by the American justice system, and a $50 million reward has been set for information about him.
Maduro had plenty of opportunities to avoid such a fate. He was repeatedly given very generous offers, but he chose to behave recklessly. He decided to play games with us, and we saw the result tonight.
And the second message: There are many people in the world who like this kind of behavior. Flirting with Iran, confiscating the assets of American oil companies, flooding our country with gangs, taking Americans hostage — he got away with it all during the Biden administration. He thought it would go on like this forever.
I hope everyone understands now that we have a president. The 47th President of the United States. This is not a politician who plays games. If he says that he will deal with the problem, he does it.
I have been monitoring the situation in Venezuela for 15 years now. If our president says that he takes something seriously, then that's the way it is. The Maduro regime has become a direct threat to U.S. national interests, and the president has reacted. By the way, he is a peacemaker president. Maduro had many chances to step aside and arrange his life differently. He could now live in safety and prosperity in another place. But he decided to challenge us, and now he's facing the consequences.
The message to the world should be this: our president is not looking for conflict. He wants to get along with everyone and is ready for dialogue. But don't play with us. As long as this president is in office, such games will not end well. I hope this lesson will be learned and will serve as a useful warning for everyone.
Donald Trump's answers to journalists' questions
Mr. President, you said that the United States will govern Venezuela. Who is in power now?
We will run the country through a special group and make sure that everything works as it should. We will rebuild the oil infrastructure, which will require billions of investments. These costs will be borne directly by the oil companies — they will be reimbursed for the costs, but the process will be started. We will ensure normal oil production. As you know, before that, production volumes were negligible compared to the country's potential. We will restore proper order there and ensure that the Venezuelan people are taken care of. We will also make sure that people who are forced to leave the country because of this regime receive the necessary assistance.
Mr. President, does the administration of the country by the United States mean that American troops will be stationed on its territory?
There is always the possibility of deploying forces on the ground. We are not afraid of this. Our units were already operating at the highest level there last night. We're not shy about talking about it. We intend to make sure that the country is governed properly. This operation was extremely dangerous and could have ended very badly. We could lose people, we could lose dignity, and we could lose a lot of equipment. But we will do everything to keep it in order. We are ready to fight again if necessary. We will govern the country wisely and fairly. This will bring resources that will benefit people. We will compensate those whose services we use. It is very important.
We couldn't let the thieves get away with it. They stole our oil, even though we created the whole industry there. And they just took it over, like we don't matter. The previous president decided not to do anything about it. But we did. Even if it was late, we took action.
Mr. President, how are you going to govern the country? Will you appoint a U.S. official to coordinate?
Yes, we are doing this right now: we are recruiting people, negotiating. We will mention their names later.
Who is in the group you mentioned? Who will govern Venezuela?
For some time, these will be the people who are standing behind me now. We will bring the country back to life. Before that, it was in decline, just like our country was a year and a half ago. Now we are the most successful country in the world. There are many destructive elements in Venezuela that should not be in power. We will not allow any of them to replace Maduro. We have excellent specialists, including the military. This group will govern until the country gets back on the right track, until the lives of the population improve and compensation is paid to those Venezuelans who were forced to flee to the United States.
In an interview with Fox & Friends, you said you weren't going to support Machado. Are you going to cooperate with the Vice President of Venezuela?
I know she took the oath, but Maduro chose her. Marco Rubio is working on this issue. He has already talked to her, and she is ready in principle to do what we consider necessary for the revival of Venezuela.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro had previously called for caution, but today he said he was not worried about the consequences of the operation. What do you think about it?
Well, considering his connections to drug production, he really should be careful. My first statement remains valid.
Mr. President, have you notified members of Congress about the operation in advance?
Marco, answer this question, you've been doing this.
Marco Rubio: We notified the members of Congress immediately after the operation began. It was a mission that did not require prior notification, as it involved rapid action over the course of one night. We monitored the preparation for several days. Such operations are primarily the functions of law enforcement agencies. In fact, it was the arrest of two accused fugitives from justice. Of course, the political consequences were broader, but it was impossible to notify in advance — this would jeopardize the success of the entire mission.
Donald Trump: I would add that there are frequent leaks in Congress. If the information had been leaked, the result might have been different. Although they saw our ships and understood that we would start something. But we didn't want to take unnecessary risks.
What was Maduro doing at the time of the assault? Did he resist?
He tried to get to the armored shelter, but our guys acted too fast. The defense was serious, there was shooting, you saw the footage. But he didn't have time to close the door. Even if he had made it, we would have blown it up in a matter of seconds, no matter how thick the steel was.
Where is Maduro now?
It will be delivered to New York in the near future. Its content will depend on the relevant authorities.
The United States has a mixed record of overthrowing regimes without a clear plan of action. How will it be this time?
It's different with me. We have a great list of victories: Soleimani, al-Baghdadi, now the Midnight Hammer. Thanks to our actions, peace is now in the Middle East. We've only won, we've had no defeats. As for Venezuela, we will restore the infrastructure that has fallen into disrepair. It's a dangerous job, but we'll invest to put the country in order.
How will this operation affect relations with China, Russia and Iran, which have interests in Venezuela?
We will settle everything with Russia. As for the others, we are in the oil business. We will sell oil to everyone in large volumes, as now production will improve. Many people use it anyway, and now there will be more of it.
What would you say to the people of Venezuela?
You will have peace, security and justice. You will gain access to the riches that rightfully belong to you, but have been stolen. Venezuela will become a real, great country again, as it was 20 years ago, before the regime destroyed it. I've always said that if the Democrats had won the U.S. elections, our country would have turned into "Venezuela on steroids." Fortunately, we did not allow this.
Are you saying that Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio will run Venezuela?
They will coordinate with the people of Venezuela to ensure stability. We can't just walk away and leave a power vacuum. We will manage professionally and attract the best companies. The main beneficiaries will be the Venezuelans themselves, especially those who are currently in the United States and want to return.
Why is governing a country in South America consistent with the principle of "America first"?
Because we want to have stable and prosperous neighbors. Venezuela has a huge potential, and its protection is necessary both for us and for the whole world. We must be confident in the security of our region.
Is there a message for Cuba in this?
Cuba is going through difficult times right now. The management system there is ineffective, and people are suffering. We want to help both those on the island and those who live here. Marco, will you add it?
Marco Rubio: Cuba is a disaster. It is run by incompetent people. The economy is destroyed. Cuban agents formed the backbone of Maduro's security service. This poor island was actually trying to colonize Venezuela. If I were in the government in Havana, I would be seriously worried right now.
Will you increase oil supplies to Cuba?
Donald Trump: The answer is "no." Anything that falls under the sanctions will not be allowed there.
Does the United States know the whereabouts of opposition leader Machado? Have you been in contact with her?
No, there were no contacts. It will be difficult for her to be a leader without proper support from within the country. She's a nice woman, but she lacks leadership skills.
Is it possible that the United States will rule Venezuela for many years?
It won't cost us anything, as the costs will be covered by subsurface use. Our goal is safety. We don't want countries that give shelter to our enemies to be around. We will rebuild Venezuela with the resources of the oil companies. We will return what rightfully belongs to us and receive compensation for all costs.
The question of Putin. Did you discuss Maduro with him on the phone on Monday?
No, we never talked about Maduro.
Are you mad at him?
I am not happy with Putin's actions. Too many people are dying during this confrontation. I've settled eight and a quarter conflicts in my career. You know what I mean by this "quarter": it's about the situation between Thailand and Cambodia. I had to step in again. When the fighting resumed there, I resolved the situation in about five hours. I count myself only a quarter of the success, because even though I forced them to make peace, the conflict broke out again. There has been a serious spike in tension over the past four days, but I have forced them to return to the negotiating table, so this is only a "quarter" of the case so far.
I thought that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine would be one of the easiest to resolve. However, everything turned out to be more complicated. Both sides have committed extremely deplorable acts. Look, this is the Biden conflict. This is not a clash. But I intend to stop the deaths of people. You have seen the figures: 30,000 people died last month, 27,000 a month earlier, mostly soldiers (data on Russian losses are not confirmed by official sources. — Approx. InoSMI). I want to put an end to this. You see, I forced NATO members to pay 5% instead of the previous 2%, which they also often did not pay. Now they pay, and we supply them with ammunition, weapons, missiles, and more.
And they pay for it. The United States does not incur losses; rather, we even make money from this process. But the financial side is the last thing that worries me right now.
My goal is just to stop it all. Tens of thousands of people are dying on the other side of the planet. And if I can stop it... And I believe that I can, because I know how to make deals. In this world, everything is a deal. Life itself is a big deal.
If I manage to stop this conflict and save the lives of 30,000 young people — not counting those who are dying in Kiev and other cities across the country (of course, in much smaller numbers, but they are dying, and this is a cruel death) — then this will be my priority (data on Russian casualties are not available Official sources confirm that Russia does not strike at civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. InoSMI). Therefore, I do not feel any joy from what is happening. I am sure that the problem can be solved. Mr. Witkoff is here, and I believe that our actions are progress. But this conflict should never have started. If I had been the head of state, this would not have happened. That's what Putin says, and everyone recognizes it. However, this conflict was passed on to me "by inheritance." Its main participants are Joe Biden, Zelensky and Putin. I just found myself in this terrible situation.
But I will say this. Last night, I watched the operation, which was carried out meticulously and flawlessly. It was incredible. If people like General Kane had been involved in the process at the time, and our experts had been involved, this conflict would not have dragged on for so long. Now this clash has turned into, in the old parlance, a "bloodbath," and we want it to stop.
