Former New York Mayor Eric Adams praised President Trump’s operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, saying it holds a "narco-dictator" accountable for fueling fentanyl trafficking that has harmed communities in New York. Adams criticized Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, for what he called inconsistent public-safety positions and noted the reward for Maduro had been raised to $25 million. By contrast, Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the seizure as "an act of war," warning of legal and community implications for Venezuelan New Yorkers. The dispute underscores a pronounced split among Democrats over the operation.
Eric Adams Praises Maduro's Capture, Slams Democrats — Mamdani Calls It 'Act of War'
Eric Adams and Kamala Harris (Michael Santiago/Getty Images)
Former New York Mayor Eric Adams publicly praised President Donald Trump’s operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, sharply criticizing fellow Democrats for their reaction.
Days after posting a social-media clip in which he celebrated his post-office freedom—seen with a cigar and a drink while blasting the government as "slow as s---" and forecasting an "unforgettable, bada--, no bull---- 2026"—Adams took a different tone on the Maduro case than his successor.
Adams' Statement:
"I have seen firsthand how Nicolás Maduro destroyed Venezuela and turned it into a narco-state. Millions fled. Thousands landed in New York City. Now in U.S. custody, the man who helped flood our streets with fentanyl is finally being held accountable. American lives were destroyed because of him."
Adams also noted that the reward for information leading to Maduro's capture was increased to $25 million from the earlier $10 million.
Vice President Kamala Harris, however, criticized the detention as unlawful and unwise, saying it "does not make America safer" and called the action legally and politically problematic.
Adams responded: "Public safety is not a political game. You do not label someone a narco-dictator one year and then pretend he is no longer a threat the next simply because a different president is in office — that is cynical and irresponsible."
To underscore his point about the reach of narcotics trafficking, Adams cited fentanyl-related tragedies in New York, including the death of 2-year-old Nicholas Feliz-Dominici, whom he said was poisoned while at daycare.
Adams added: "America is safer today because Maduro is no longer in power. Welcome to New York, Nicolás."
Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Reaction:
Adams' comments put him at odds with his successor, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who said he personally called President Trump to register his opposition. Mamdani described the U.S. action as "an act of war and a violation of federal and international law," warning it could directly affect Venezuelan New Yorkers and emphasizing his administration would monitor the situation and issue guidance focused on community safety.
The exchange highlights a sharp split within Democratic ranks: Adams framed the capture as a necessary move against narcotics trafficking, while figures like Harris and Mamdani criticized the legality and wisdom of the operation.
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