Key Remarks From Trump On 'Absolute Resolve' — How US Forces Captured Nicolás Maduro

From Mar-a-Lago in Florida, President Donald Trump briefed reporters on the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, both of whom face indictments in US federal court.

Operation Overview

Trump described the mission, named Absolute Resolve, as an "extraordinary military operation" that unfolded overnight and into the early morning hours. He said it employed a wide range of capabilities across air, land and sea, and officials confirmed additional support from intelligence, space and cyber assets.

Forces and Tactics

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said the operation deployed more than 150 aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, electronic-warfare planes, intelligence and surveillance platforms, helicopters and drones. According to officials, some assets were used to disable Venezuelan defenses and provide cover, while specialized teams conducted infiltration and extraction tasks to seize the targeted individuals.

Capture And Casualties

Trump said US forces captured Maduro at a "heavily fortified military fortress in the heart of Caracas" during the night. He added that American teams used "certain expertise" to cut power across parts of Caracas and that Venezuela’s military was overwhelmed by the assault. The president stated there were no US fatalities and no lost assets. He also told Fox News that an American helicopter was hit "pretty hard" during the operation; Gen. Caine later confirmed the aircraft sustained damage but remained flyable.

During the press conference, Trump said the US would run Venezuela and bring in American oil companies.Jim WATSON / AFP

"This was one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history," Trump said, likening the operation's impact to past high-profile missions.

What Comes Next

One of the most consequential statements from the press conference was Trump’s assertion that the United States "will run Venezuela until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition." He did not provide specific legal or administrative details about how long US control would last or under what authorities it would operate.

Under Venezuelan law, Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, would typically assume power; Trump said Rodríguez "really doesn't have a choice" but to accept US involvement in the transition plan. When asked who would oversee that plan, Trump pointed to officials standing behind him at the podium: Stephen Miller (White House deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Gen. Dan Caine.

Economic Plans And Oil

Trump announced that major US oil companies would enter Venezuela to "spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country." Venezuela holds the world's largest proven crude reserves, and the administration has in recent months increased pressure on Caracas, including seizing and blockading oil tankers amid rising tensions.

Contingencies

The president said the administration had prepared for a follow-on assault — "a much bigger wave" — if necessary, but called that second wave likely unnecessary given the reported success of the initial operation.

Context And Uncertainties

While the briefing provided operational details and assertions of success, key legal, diplomatic and logistical questions remain unanswered: how the United States intends to exercise control in Venezuela, under what authority and for how long; how Venezuelan institutions and international partners will respond; and the status and timeline for any transition or elections. These questions will shape the next phase of the crisis.