Trump: I watched the operation like a TV show, we will run Venezuela

US President Donald Trump made striking statements following Washington’s large-scale operation in Venezuela, saying he personally watched the mission unfold live and declaring that the United States would oversee the country during a transition period. Trump confirmed that the attacks were carried out by the US and announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and taken out of the country.

Trump: I watched it live

In a post on his Truth Social account and later during a press conference, Trump said the operation was conducted with the cooperation of US military and law enforcement agencies. Stressing that no US personnel were killed and only a few were injured, Trump remarked, “I literally watched the operation live, like watching a television series. It was incredible and sent a clear message to the world.”

Maduro taken to the United States

Trump stated that Nicolás Maduro and his wife were transported by ship to New York and would face trial in the United States. He said American authorities possess “overwhelming evidence” and added that legal proceedings could take place in New York, Florida or Miami.

“We will run Venezuela”

In one of his most controversial remarks, Trump said the US would manage Venezuela until what he described as a “safe, fair and orderly transition” is completed. “We want peace and justice for Venezuela. Until that transition is secured, we will run the process,” he said, adding that Washington would not allow the country to fall into the hands of figures hostile to US interests.

Second wave warning

Trump also warned that a second wave of operations could be launched if necessary. “It probably won’t be needed, but if it is, it will be bigger,” he said, warning Venezuelan political and military figures that what happened to Maduro could also happen to them.

Security and drugs narrative

Accusing Venezuela of being a major source of drug trafficking threatening US security, Trump claimed that each vessel leaving the country carried drugs capable of killing tens of thousands of people. He said the operation had eliminated that threat and emphasized that the US would strictly enforce the Monroe Doctrine in the Western Hemisphere.

“US troops can enter if needed”

Trump underlined that the United States would not hesitate to deploy ground forces if required. “We are not afraid to put boots on the ground. If necessary, US troops will enter,” he said, adding that names of those who would administer Venezuela during the transition would be announced later.

What happened earlier

Explosions and aircraft noises were reported in Caracas in the early hours, after which the Venezuelan government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military targets. Trump later confirmed that the US carried out the operation and announced that Maduro and his wife had been removed from the country. Venezuelan authorities called on the international community to condemn the attacks, while reactions from around the world remained divided.