Trump targets Caracas, takes Venezuelan leader Maduro captive

White House Collaborates with Transitional Authorities in Venezuela

The Trump administration has reportedly been in discussions with the transitional authorities in Venezuela, illustrating a commitment to maintaining U.S. influence following the potential removal of dictator Nicolas Maduro.

Recently, President Donald Trump made an announcement regarding a military operation aimed at seizing control in Caracas. His plan is to capture Maduro and oversee the country until a safe handover of power can occur. Currently, Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, is acting as interim president.

White House press secretary Caroline Levitt stated that the administration, including key figures like Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is actively coordinating with these interim authorities, emphasizing that decisions will be influenced by U.S. leadership.

Levitt remarked, “We clearly now have greater influence over the authorities in Venezuela. This administration believes the country needs to align more closely with the United States and to cease illegal activities that endanger American lives.”

The United Nations has expressed strong disapproval of President Trump’s assertive measures concerning Venezuela, as stated by a U.N. ambassador.

Levitt emphasized that the U.S. is expected to dominate the Western Hemisphere under Trump’s leadership. In a significant move, Trump also revealed that Venezuela’s interim government plans to transfer up to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., which would be sold almost immediately.

Rubio pointed out that the U.S. has successfully limited Venezuela’s oil revenue through strict sanctions, claiming this places the United States in a favorable position. “Without our permission, they can’t access their oil revenue. Our influence here is impactful,” he noted.

In another development, the United States seized two tankers that were under sanctions while operating in the Atlantic Ocean.

During Trump’s announcement, he claimed U.S. special forces had successfully engaged in operations against Maduro, who, along with his wife, was apprehended and brought to New York to face drug-related charges. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Trump asserted that the U.S. not only plans to manage Venezuela’s transition but is also prepared for further military action if necessary.

The administration’s efforts have ramped up, following months of intensified operations targeting suspected drug trafficking in Latin America.

Nonetheless, the Trump administration refuses to recognize Maduro’s legitimacy, portraying him as part of a drug cartel. Trump previously suggested it would be advisable for Maduro to step down.

The administration maintains that the operation against Maduro was necessary and categorized it as a law enforcement action rather than an invasion, asserting that it did not require Congressional approval.

Yet, concerns have been raised by some lawmakers, notably Democrats, regarding the legality of this military action without Congressional consent.

Senator Jack Reed, the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the operation as a significant constitutional misstep. He insisted that war authorization falls solely under Congress’s jurisdiction, deeming the pursuit of regime change without public consent as an overreach of authority.