LIVE: Trump Addresses the Nation After Capturing Venezuelan President Maduro

 LIVE: Trump Addresses the Nation After Capturing Venezuelan President Maduro

In an astonishing and unprecedented move in international politics, US President Donald Trump addressed the public on January 3, 2026, following a dramatic military operation in which US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The speech, given live from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, came amid considerable global attention and rising criticism about the United States' strike and its implications.

A stunning announcement.

President Trump began his speech by hailing the operation a "complete success," claiming that US military troops carried out a precise and large-scale strike in Caracas that resulted in Maduro and his wife being detained. He stated that both will now face criminal prosecution in the United States on existing federal accusations, such as narcoterrorism and drug trafficking, which were stressed during the briefing.

Trump displayed a photo supposedly depicting Maduro in US custody on board the USS Iwo Jima, the Navy amphibious assault ship engaged in the operation. He stated that the mission was completed with no U.S. military fatalities, but there were wounded, and emphasized the precise preparation and coordination that enabled the operation.

Key Points from the Address: 

1. Operation "Absolute Resolve" was carefully planned.

Trump hailed the action, codename Operation Absolute Resolve, as the culmination of months of interagency planning and coordination among the United States' military branches and intelligence agencies. He underlined that the operation showcased American military precision and capability.

2. Maduro will face justice in the United States.

Trump reaffirmed that Maduro and Flores will face federal charges in New York, where they have already been indicted for narcoterrorism and drug trafficking, among other offences. The president presented this as accountability for individuals accused of using governmental power to aid criminal networks.

3. United States' Role in Venezuela Going Forward

In one of the more contentious aspects of his speech, Trump stated that the United States will temporarily "run" Venezuela to enable a "safe, proper, and judicious transition" to new leadership. He hinted that the United States would get involved in stabilizing the country, especially its oil industry — a major supply of global crude — and emphasized that American energy corporations might help restore Venezuela's infrastructure.

He also stated that the United States was "not afraid of boots on the ground" if circumstances necessitated increased military presence, implying that future engagement may extend beyond the capture operation.

4. U.S. Foreign Policy and Regional Impact.

Trump claimed the move was designed to restore order and preserve American interests in the Western Hemisphere. He characterized the operation as part of a larger plan to combat drugs trafficking and destabilize players, which was consistent with previous military interventions and pressure on Caracas.

Immediate Aftermath and Reactions

Within hours of the address, Maduro and his wife were flown to New York for processing and prosecution, landing at Stewart Air National Guard Base, according to several news reports.

The Venezuelan administration criticized the operation as a "imperialist attack" and a violation of national sovereignty. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded Maduro's return and rejected the legitimacy of the US actions.

International views have been divided, but overwhelmingly critical of the US operation, with various countries and global agencies raising concerns about violations of international law and sovereignty.

Why Does This Address Matter?

President Trump's speech signalled a significant shift in US-Venezuela ties, with far-reaching geopolitical ramifications. A sitting head of state being seized by foreign military forces and brought to trial in another country is almost unheard of in the contemporary period. The speech attempted to legitimize the operation both legally and morally, highlighting law enforcement and regional stability.

Whether this route will result in peace and democratic transition in Venezuela, or greater regional instability and diplomatic consequences, remains to be seen as global leaders react and legal doubts about the operation's legitimacy arise.