In the aftermath of a dramatic military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, top U.S. officials have moved to clarify Washington’s position regarding the South American nation’s future governance. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on multiple Sunday news programs to emphasize that the United States does not seek to directly govern Venezuela, but rather intends to collaborate with existing authorities under specific conditions.
The operation, which unfolded on Saturday, involved U.S. commandos conducting a helicopter assault on Caracas with support from attack aircraft and naval assets. The successful extraction of Maduro and his wife culminated in the deposed leader’s transport to New York, where he now awaits arraignment on narcotrafficking charges. Video evidence released by the White House shows Maduro in custody at a Manhattan DEA facility, handcuffed and offering a subdued ‘Good night, happy new year’ in English.
Despite the vacuum created by Maduro’s capture, relative calm prevailed in Venezuela’s capital. Citizens formed queues at grocery stores, while the previously visible heavily armed police presence diminished significantly. The Venezuelan military has officially recognized Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president and encouraged citizens to resume normal activities.
Secretary Rubio’s comments served to contextualize President Trump’s earlier statement about the U.S. intending to ‘run the country’ until a transition could be effected. Rubio specified that Washington would assess the existing Venezuelan leadership based on actions rather than rhetoric, indicating readiness to work with Rodríguez and other cabinet members contingent upon their adherence to U.S. demands.
The administration faces mounting questions regarding its long-term strategy, particularly concerning Venezuela’s massive oil reserves—the world’s largest. Rubio indicated that Western companies would likely show ‘dramatic interest’ in revitalizing Venezuela’s crippled oil industry, provided appropriate guarantees and conditions were established. Simultaneously, the U.S. maintains significant leverage through an oil export embargo enforced by Navy vessels in the Caribbean.
Political opposition emerged from Democratic leaders, with Senate leader Chuck Schumer expressing that Americans were left ‘scratching their heads in wonderment and in fear,’ while House leader Hakeem Jeffries characterized the raid as an unauthorized act of war. The operation represents the culmination of an escalating pressure campaign that began with interdictions of suspected drug trafficking vessels near Venezuelan waters.