Noem on Trump’s Message to Venezuela

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem conveyed Trump’s stance to Venezuela’s vice president: “You can lead or get in the way.” She emphasized that the president has completed negotiations and demonstrated his ability to act decisively when the country is threatened.

Noem said, “President Trump is very clear in his current discussion with Venezuela’s vice president: ‘You can either lead or stay out of our way. We won’t let you erode American influence. Venezuela deserves leadership that promotes freedom, not a dictator tied to crime and drug trade.'”

Noem’s remarks followed the successful operation by the Trump administration to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, which sparked mixed feelings among Democrats and Republicans regarding its legality and the implications for Venezuela.

This operation arose after months of efforts to counter suspected narco-terrorism linked to Venezuela, including strikes against presumed drug traffickers in Caribbean waters.

Noem pointed to the airstrike as proof of Trump’s readiness to act decisively.

The Rise and Fall of Nicolás Maduro

Noem highlighted the Coast Guard’s role in combating illegal oil trafficking benefiting the nation’s adversaries. “We’re committed to ensuring there are individuals ready to assist us in preventing ongoing harm to our children and grandchildren in Venezuela. That’s the benefit of working under this president,” she remarked.

The military operation launched against Maduro in Caracas early Saturday saw special forces detaining him and his wife as part of the action. Maduro had been charged in 2020 in the Southern District of New York and is now set to face those allegations.