The Hugh Hewitt Show: Highly Concentrated U.S. Special Forces extract Maduro from Caracas (Operation Absolute Resolve)
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Jan 6, 2026 
In this engaging discussion, Senator Tom Cotton, a U.S. lawmaker and intelligence committee chair, praises the legal foundations of Operation Absolute Resolve. Former National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien highlights the operation's potential to reshape Venezuela and critiques Iran's policies. Michael Oren reflects on how U.S. actions could undermine Iran's influence, while Daniel Runde unpacks Venezuela's complex political landscape and urges investment for recovery. Journalist Vic Mattis adds a humorous take on the media's response and the implications for drug trafficking.
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Operation Framed As Legal Precedent
- The Maduro extraction was framed as a lawful law-enforcement operation executed by U.S. military and intelligence assets.
- Hugh Hewitt and guests stressed constitutional and historical precedents for executive use of force without prior congressional authorization.
Midnight Wake-Up Call
- Sen. Tom Cotton described being awakened by Marco Rubio's call at 3:30 a.m. about the operation.
- He emphasized he received no advance notice but praised the mission's execution and security precautions.
Capture Is More Complex Than Strike
- Cotton and others highlighted that capturing and exfiltrating a target is often harder and more complex than killing one.
- They argued flawless joint execution and interagency coordination made the mission uniquely impressive.
