Edited summary: Sen. Tom Cotton credited U.S. military and CIA cooperation for the operation that captured Nicolás Maduro, saying the mission demonstrated strong intelligence capabilities and presidential confidence in the CIA. He said the U.S. expects interim Venezuelan authorities to stop drug and weapons trafficking, expel Iranian and Cuban operatives, and allow political exiles to return — or face similar targeted actions. Cotton rejected any implication of a U.S.-Russia tradeoff and defended the administration's use of limited, precise force while noting that sustained political change in Venezuela will take time.
Sen. Tom Cotton on Maduro’s Capture: CIA Role, U.S. Objectives and Possible Follow‑Ups
This is an edited and paraphrased transcript of Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, speaking with Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation on Jan. 4, 2026. The exchange covered the U.S. operation that captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, the role of U.S. intelligence, regional implications, and possible next steps.
Overview
Senator Cotton praised the cooperation between U.S. military forces and the intelligence community in the operation that resulted in Maduro's capture. He credited the CIA for critical intelligence work and said that Director John Ratcliffe has restored confidence in the Agency. Cotton described many Venezuelan officials as sanctioned or indicted and said the administration wants to see demonstrable change from those now running Venezuela.
Intelligence, Credits, and Cautions
Cotton emphasized that the operation was possible only through close coordination between intelligence professionals and highly trained military units. He declined to comment on specific sources or methods but said the success of the mission illustrates U.S. insight into adversaries. He noted President Trump singled out the military effort as excellent and expressed support for the CIA's contributions.
Sen. Cotton: The CIA's amazing work here has instilled confidence in the president and reminded adversaries that we have very good insight into what they are doing.
What the U.S. Expects From Venezuela's Interim Leadership
Cotton said the administration expects the interim authorities to demonstrate concrete steps: stopping illicit drug and weapons trafficking, facilitating the return of refugees, and expelling foreign operatives from Iran, Cuba, and extremist groups such as Hezbollah. He added that opposition leaders have called for new elections and that, in Cotton's view, free and fair elections could be possible in a period of months if exiles are allowed to return and political conditions permit.
Russia, China, and Global Signaling
Responding to questions about China and Russia, Cotton argued that Beijing and Moscow offered little practical support during the raid and that the operation underscores U.S. reach and resolve. He rejected the idea that the action represents a bargain with Russia — for example, trading influence in Ukraine for noninterference in Latin America — and characterized the operation as unilateral U.S. action to advance national interests.
Authorities, War Powers, and Potential Follow‑Up Actions
The interview addressed legal and political authorities for the operation. Cotton said he is routinely consulted as Intelligence Committee chairman and believes Congress has already provided necessary resources. He maintained that the forces used for the raid were deployed only briefly and that the President retains inherent authority to act to protect American interests and enforce U.S. indictments.
When asked about the President's comment that a second-wave operation had been planned, Cotton said the administration meant the same model of targeted capture could be used against other indicted or sanctioned Venezuelan officials if they do not change course.
Counter‑Narcotics Impact
On the drug trafficking question, Cotton stressed that Venezuela is distinct because, he argued, the Maduro regime actively colluded with trafficking networks rather than merely failing to control territory. He acknowledged data indicating higher wholesale cocaine prices and trafficking route adjustments, but framed the Maduro regime as uniquely complicit and therefore a law-enforcement and national-security target for the United States.
Closing
The conversation ended with Cotton reiterating that the ultimate U.S. goal is a stable, prosperous, and non-hostile Venezuela that halts illicit trafficking, expels foreign malign actors, and allows a democratic transition possible through free and fair elections if conditions permit.
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