U.S. forces have intervened in Venezuela, arresting the country’s president and first lady on federal drug charges. The operation in Venezuela follows a month of escalating U.S. actions against the country and its now-removed leader, leaving many questions about the future of Venezuela and the implications for the United States as Trump indicates that the U.S. will now “run” Venezuela.
How and why did the U.S. attack Venezuela?
Early Saturday morning, U.S. forces conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Venezuelan First Lady Celia Flores de Maduro. Explosions were reported in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and apparent U.S. military helicopters were seen flying over Caracas as well. Trump posted about the mission on social media Saturday morning. “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump wrote. “This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow.”
Trump explained during a phone call with Fox News that Maduro and Flores were taken out of Caracas by helicopter and transferred to the USS Iwo Jima Navy vessel to be taken to New York. Maduro and Flores were indicted by the first Trump administration in 2020, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced new narcoterrorism charges against the couple Saturday. “They killed a lot of people to maintain power,” Trump said, though it is not clear if Maduro or Flores are being charged with any deaths in Venezuela or the United States.
The attacks on Venezuela and the arrest of Maduro come after years of tension between Trump and Maduro and months of escalating U.S. actions against Venezuela. Since September, the United States has conducted over 30 strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean. Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of being a major source of drugs coming to the United States. The U.S. president indicated last year that he had authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations within Venezuela. Trump seemed to confirm a strike within Venezuela last week, which the New York Times later reported was conducted by the CIA via drone. The United States has also been enforcing an oil blockade against Venezuela, seizing tankers under sanctions.
What happens next for Venezuela and the U.S.?
During a press conference held at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday, Trump indicated that the United States would take control of Venezuela for a period of time, while also facilitating American oil companies operating in the country. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.”
Responding to questions about the U.S. “running” Venezuela, Trump was mostly unclear about what that meant, not directly stating whether or not American troops would occupy the country or what American administration of the country would look like practically. He stated that “it’s largely going to be for a period of time the people that are standing right behind me. We’re gonna be running it,” with Trump motioning to the officials joining him at the press conference, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Given the sudden removal of Maduro and the unclear details of any potential American occupation, it is not clear who will ultimately emerge in control of Venezuela. The U.S. military operation left in place a number of Maduro regime figures, including incumbent Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, the first person in line to replace Maduro. Also left behind were Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who each control coercive forces within the country. Other possible leaders who could take Maduro’s place include opposition leader Edmundo González, who is widely believed to have been the true winner of the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election despite Maduro claiming victory in his reelection campaign; González fled Venezuela after the election and was granted asylum by Spain.
Another possible leader is opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, who was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for her opposition to the Maduro regime. Machado has vocally supported Trump’s pressure campaign against Maduro, which could incentivize Trump to support her taking Maduro’s place as President of Venezuela.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to develop, it appears that the U.S. operation to capture Maduro was not simply a discreet mission but rather part of a longer-term U.S. involvement in Venezuela. It appears that the Trump administration is prepared to assume control of Venezuela for an indefinite period of time.