Opening: Announcing the Operation

Thank you very much. This is big stuff. We appreciate you being here.

Late last night and early today, at my direction, the United States Armed Forces conducted an extraordinary military operation in the capital of Venezuela.

Overwhelming American military power—air, land, and sea—was used to launch a spectacular assault, the likes of which people have not seen since World War II.

It targeted a heavily fortified military fortress in the heart of Caracas to bring outlaw dictator Nicolás Maduro to justice.

This was one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and competence in history—comparable to the strike on Soleimani, the strike on al-Baghdadi, and the recent obliteration of Iran's nuclear sites in Operation Midnight Hammer. All were perfectly executed.

No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved last night.

All Venezuelan military capacities were neutralized as our military, working with U.S. law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night—when the lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to our expertise. It was dark and deadly.

Captured along with his wife, Cilia Flores—both now facing American justice. Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York for their campaign of deadly narco-terrorism against the United States and its citizens.

Praise for the Military

I want to thank the men and women of our military for this extraordinary success—achieved with breathtaking speed, power, precision, and competence. You rarely see anything like it.

These highly trained warriors, in collaboration with U.S. law enforcement, overwhelmed Maduro's forces despite their ready position. They knew we were coming—with many ships waiting offshore—but were quickly incapacitated.

If you had seen what I saw last night, you would have been very impressed.

• Not a single American service member was killed.
• Not a single piece of American equipment was lost—despite many helicopters, planes, and personnel involved.

The United States military is the strongest and most fearsome on the planet, with the best equipment anywhere. We've knocked out 97% of drugs coming in by sea—mostly from Venezuela—where each intercepted boat saves, on average, 25,000 lives.

U.S. Plans for Venezuela

We are going to run the country until we can achieve a safe, proper, and judicious transition. We cannot risk someone else taking over who does not have the Venezuelan people's interests at heart—we've had decades of that.

We want peace, liberty, and justice for the great people of Venezuela, including many now living in the United States who want to return to their homeland.

Venezuela's oil industry has been a total bust—they were pumping almost nothing compared to its potential. Our largest U.S. oil companies will go in, spend billions to fix the broken infrastructure, and start producing—making money for the country.

We were prepared for a second, much larger wave of attack if needed—but the first was so successful, we probably won't require it.

This partnership will make Venezuelans rich, independent, and safe—and bring happiness to the many Venezuelans who suffered here in the U.S.

Maduro's Crimes and Justice

The illegitimate dictator Maduro was the kingpin of a vast criminal network, trafficking colossal amounts of deadly drugs into the United States via the vicious Cartel de los Soles cartel—which flooded our nation with poison, responsible for hundreds of thousands of American deaths.

He and his wife will face the full might of American justice on U.S. soil—likely in New York or Florida. The evidence is overwhelming, horrible, and breathtaking.

Maduro remained in power after his term expired, waging violence, terror, and subversion against the U.S.—threatening our people and regional stability.

• He trafficked gigantic amounts of illegal drugs, causing untold suffering.
• He sent savage gangs like the bloodthirsty Tren de Aragua to terrorize American communities—taking over apartments, committing brutal acts.

These gangs raped, tortured, and murdered American women and children. Maduro emptied prisons and mental institutions, sending the worst criminals here—but no longer.

Our borders are secure.

Venezuela also seized American oil assets and platforms—costing us billions—the largest theft of American property in history. We built that industry with American talent, and the socialist regime stole it. America will never allow that again.

Under Maduro, Venezuela hosted foreign adversaries and acquired offensive weapons threatening U.S. interests—in violation of the Monroe Doctrine, which we've revived and strengthened (some now call it the "Donro Doctrine").

Domestic Successes and Warnings

We've reasserted American dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Tariffs have made us rich and strengthened national security.

We've secured borders, crushed cartels, stopped terrorists, and defended citizens. We've dramatically reduced crime in cities like Washington, D.C., Memphis, New Orleans, and others using military and National Guard support.

The oil embargo on Venezuela remains in effect. Our armada is poised, retaining all options until demands are met.

All Venezuelan political and military figures should understand: What happened to Maduro can happen to them if they are not fair to their people.

Maduro is gone—Venezuela's people are free. America and the Western Hemisphere are safer and prouder.

Remarks by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

Finally, a commander-in-chief the world respects. Words cannot capture the bravery, power, and precision of this historic operation—a flawless joint military and law enforcement raid by America's greatest warriors.

President Trump has their back. No other country could pull this off—no other president has shown this leadership.

Adversaries are on notice: America projects will anywhere, anytime. Maduro "effed around and found out."

This is America First—peace through strength.

Remarks by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan "Raisin" Caine

Last night, on the President's order and in support of the Department of Justice, we conducted Operation Absolute Resolve—a discreet, precise apprehension mission in Caracas to bring indicted persons Nicolás and Cilia Maduro to justice.

This culminated months of planning and rehearsal—only the U.S. military could undertake it.

Key details (without compromising tactics):

• Inter-agency integration: air, ground, space, maritime—with intelligence partners (CIA, NSA, NGA) and law enforcement.
• Over 150 aircraft launched from 20 bases across the hemisphere.
• Helicopters flew low (100 ft over water) with protection from F-22s, F-35s, F/A-18s, EA-18Gs, B-1 bombers, drones, etc.
• Air defenses dismantled for safe passage.
• Arrived at compound ~2:01 a.m. local time; apprehended targets with overwhelming self-defense force.
• One aircraft hit but remained flyable—no U.S. losses.
• Exfiltrated by ~3:29 a.m. EST; Maduros aboard USS Iwo Jima.

This demonstrates our joint force's unmatched power. Forces remain ready in the region.

Additional Remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Maduro was indicted in 2020—not the legitimate president (unrecognized by both Trump administrations, Biden, EU, and others). $50 million reward—now moot.

He had multiple generous offers to leave but chose otherwise.

Message to the world: This President acts on threats—no games.

This addresses direct threats to U.S. national interests.

Q&A Highlights

• On running Venezuela: We'll work with a group (including military leaders present) to rebuild oil infrastructure (paid by U.S. companies) and ensure proper governance. Vice President (sworn in recently) is cooperative.
• Boots on the ground: Not afraid—if needed for security/oil expertise.
• Timeline/transition: Quickly as possible, but rebuild infrastructure first; elections when stable.
• Opposition leader Machado: Nice woman, but lacks support/respect in country.
• Congress notification: Post-operation; mission too sensitive (law enforcement core).
• Maduro's actions during capture: Tried reaching safe room but couldn't close heavy steel door—our forces too fast.
• International relations (China/Russia/Iran): We'll sell oil to interested parties.
• Message to Venezuelans: Peace, justice, riches, safety—a great country again.
• Cuba/Colombia: Cuba failing—may discuss soon. Colombia's leader should watch out (cocaine links).
• Pardon comparison (Honduras): That was unfair persecution; Maduro's crimes different.

Thank you all very much.