At a Glance
- Trump captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and vows to run the country.
- He plans to boost oil output with U.S. companies.
- Operation followed U.S. airstrikes on drug boats and other targets.
- Why it matters: It marks a dramatic shift toward military intervention in Trump’s foreign policy.
On March 2025, the United States executed a surprise airstrike that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would temporarily govern Venezuela and revitalize its oil sector. The move follows a series of U.S. strikes on drug smuggling boats and other overseas targets.
Operation and Immediate Aftermath
The strike on Caracas was part of a broader U.S. campaign that began in September against alleged drug boats. Maduro was seized and flown to the United States to face drug trafficking charges. Trump said the operation marked a new foreign policy doctrine.
Oil and Economic Plans
Trump referred to Venezuela’s oil as a prize and promised U.S. companies would boost production and sell the product. A White House official confirmed plans to work with oil executives to expand output. The administration has not ruled out further strikes if needed.
- Capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
- Airstrikes on drug smuggling boats, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria, and Iran.
- Planned U.S. investment in Venezuelan oil production.
Domestic and International Reactions
Key cabinet members and allies responded with support and caution.
President Donald Trump said:
> We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end and, perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into.
Marco Rubio said:
> Look, if I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I’d be concerned at least a little bit.
> We’ll talk and meet with anybody, but don’t play games. Don’t play games while this president’s in office.
Pete Hegseth said:
> Our adversaries remain on notice: America can project our will anywhere, anytime.
Seth Jones said:
> This is theirs… If this goes south, there is no one else you can blame.
Marjorie Taylor-Greene said:
> This is what many in MAGA thought they voted to end. Boy were we wrong.
Mark Mitchell said:
> When voters are asked whether the government’s focus needs to be on domestic or foreign policy, everyone says domestic.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said:
> President Trump is a decisive and strong leader who does EXACTLY what he says he’s going to do.
President Donald Trump said:
> U.S. companies will now go in, boost supplies and sell the product.
President Donald Trump said:
> We are locked and loaded and ready to go.
| Target | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Venezuelan oil fleet | March 2025 | Seized |
| Maduro & wife | March 2025 | Captured |
| Yemen airstrikes | March 2025 | 114 casualties |
| Iran nuclear sites | June 2025 | Strikes launched |
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s capture of Maduro signals a shift to active military intervention.
- The administration plans to boost Venezuelan oil output with U.S. companies.
- Domestic political support is mixed, with some Republicans endorsing the move and Democrats expressing concern.
The operation signals a decisive shift in Trump’s approach to foreign policy, raising questions about the future of U.S. military engagement abroad.
