Trump mentioned that the operation being conducted in Venezuela was named "Midnight Hammer." He expressed readiness to carry out a "second wave" of actions in the country, although there is currently no need for that.
The U.S. President noted that this attack was unprecedented since World War II. "The military forces of Venezuela proved ineffective when our soldiers, together with U.S. law enforcement, captured Maduro at night," he added.
Trump also emphasized that Nicolás Maduro and his wife would be held accountable in the U.S., as he is no longer the president.
According to Trump, Maduro led the drug cartel Cartel de los Soles, and the U.S. managed to intercept 97% of the drugs entering the country.
"We will ensure that the people of Venezuela are wealthy, independent, and safe. The United States is committed to a safe and fair transition of power in Venezuela. We built the Venezuelan oil industry, but the socialist regime forcibly took it from us," the U.S. President added.
In response, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez held a press conference, stating that Venezuela would not become a colony for anyone.
She emphasized that the country's leadership would protect the natural resources that belong to the people, commenting on Trump's threats to seize oil fields.
Earlier, reports emerged of a series of explosions in Caracas that occurred on the night of January 3, when international media reported airstrikes on the Venezuelan capital.
In early September 2025, Trump sent eight warships to the southern Caribbean Sea, explaining this as actions to combat drug trafficking. The President of Venezuela characterized these actions as a "hostile siege" and appealed to the UN for help in protecting his country's territorial integrity. In response, Trump confirmed that U.S. military forces sank a Venezuelan drug boat in the Caribbean Sea and ordered the cessation of all diplomatic contacts with Venezuela. He also stated that the U.S. would continue to strike drug traffickers outside the country without Congressional approval.
