U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States is not at war with Venezuela following the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro. He emphasized that the U.S. is influencing Venezuelan policy through financial leverage and sanctions rather than direct military control. The operation has sparked domestic criticism over its legality.
On Saturday, January 3, 2026, U.S. forces conducted a raid on Venezuela's largest military base, capturing Nicolas Maduro and his wife, both indicted on drug trafficking charges. The operation involved landing helicopters, entering Maduro's residence within three minutes, apprehending him, and extracting without any U.S. losses. Maduro is scheduled to appear before a New York judge on Monday.
In Sunday interviews, Rubio clarified President Donald Trump's statement that the U.S. would 'run' Venezuela until a safe transition. 'It's running policy,' Rubio told NBC's Meet the Press. 'We want Venezuela to move in a certain direction because not only do we think it's good for the people of Venezuela, it's in our national interest.' He described the approach as using an 'oil quarantine' enforced by U.S. naval vessels and Coast Guard, allowing seizure of sanctioned oil boats. Since September, U.S. forces have struck at least 35 alleged drug boats, killing 115 people on board and seizing tankers near Venezuela.
Rubio defended the focus on Maduro as the top priority, responding to CBS anchor Margaret Brennan's questions about untouched figures like the defense minister, who has a $15 million bounty and Russian ties. 'I don’t know why that’s confusing to you,' Rubio said. 'We got the top priority... That was a pretty sophisticated and frankly, complicated operation.' He dismissed broader simultaneous arrests as absurd, noting potential backlash.
Senate Intelligence Chair Tom Cotton echoed calls for pressure on Maduro's allies, including interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who controls the military. Trump warned Rodríguez would 'pay a very big price' if uncooperative.
Democrats pushed back, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemning the raid as a 'violation of the law' for lacking congressional approval and alleging bombings of civilian sites. Schumer plans a war powers resolution vote this week, supported so far by Senator Rand Paul. Rubio also criticized media 'experts' as 'clowns' unfamiliar with Venezuela, comparing it unfavorably to Middle East conflicts but noting Iranian agents' presence. He argued Maduro's removal protects U.S. interests, citing his role in facilitating drug trafficking into the U.S.
