The NPR Politics Podcast Trump Says The U.S. Will 'Run' Venezuela After Capturing Maduro
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Jan 3, 2026 The U.S. military has launched strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro. Trump claims the U.S. will manage the government during the transition. The operation faced months of planning, secrecy, and criticisms from Congress. Maduro's indictment reveals serious drug trafficking charges. Discussion unfolds on the challenges the U.S. will face in running Venezuela and the legality of the intervention. Politically, reactions vary, with Republicans praising action, raising concerns about executive overreach, and suggesting this could mark a new pattern of U.S. interventions.
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Secret Large-Scale Operation Captured Maduro
- The U.S. launched a secret, large-scale operation named Absolute Resolve to capture Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
- President Trump watched in real time and the operation included dismantling Venezuelan air defenses and ground forces into Caracas.
Operation Planned Months, Kept From Congress
- The operation was planned for months and finalized by early December, with weather and secrecy shaping timing.
- Congress complained they received no advance notice, and officials said prior notice could have compromised the mission.
U.S. Signals Interim Control Over Venezuela
- Trump said the U.S. will effectively run Venezuela "until such time as a proper transition can take place."
- He suggested senior U.S. officials including Marco Rubio and generals would help run the country and did not rule out boots on the ground.