Texas Border Business
President Donald J. Trump said the United States has carried out what he described as a “large scale strike against Venezuela” and that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and removed from the country.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro,” Trump wrote. He added that Maduro “has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.”
Trump said the operation “was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.” He did not identify which agencies were involved or provide details on how or when the operation occurred. “Details to follow,” he wrote.
Maduro has served as president of Venezuela since 2013, after the death of Hugo Chávez. His government has been described by the United States and several other countries as authoritarian, citing disputed elections, the consolidation of power within the executive branch, restrictions on opposition parties, and limits on press freedom. The Venezuelan government has rejected those characterizations, saying its leadership is legitimate and that outside criticism amounts to foreign interference.
During Maduro’s presidency, the United States has imposed economic sanctions on Venezuela and has recognized opposition figures as legitimate representatives of the Venezuelan people. Maduro has remained in power with the support of the country’s military and state institutions.
Trump also announced a public briefing. “There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago,” he wrote. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
As of the time of publication, no independent confirmation had been issued by the White House, the Department of Defense, or U.S. law enforcement agencies regarding the operation described by the president. Venezuelan officials and state media had not released statements addressing the claims.
Trump signed the posting, “President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
