In a significant geopolitical development, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has publicly extended his congratulations to former US President Donald Trump. This follows a dramatic military operation by the United States that led to the capture of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro.
Musk's Public Endorsement on Social Media
Elon Musk took to his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to express his support. He posted a message stating, "Congratulations, President Trump! This is a win for the world and a clear message to evil dictators everywhere." This public endorsement came swiftly after news broke of the operation in Venezuela.
The Swift US Military Operation in Caracas
The event that prompted Musk's reaction was a rapid overnight military action carried out by United States forces in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. On January 3, 2026, the operation successfully resulted in the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores.
This decisive move was the culmination of months of increasing pressure from Washington. The US had previously offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest, accusing him of involvement in international drug trafficking. Following his capture, Maduro was transported out of Venezuela aboard a US military aircraft.
Trump's Plan for Venezuela's Transition
After the removal of Maduro, Donald Trump addressed the future of the South American nation. He stated that the United States would "run" Venezuela until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" of power could be guaranteed. When questioned about local partners, Trump revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been in discussions with Venezuela's Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez. According to Trump, Rodriguez expressed willingness to cooperate with Washington and was ready to do "whatever" the US required.
Starlink's Support for the Venezuelan People
Elon Musk's support extended beyond words. The tech billionaire announced that his satellite internet venture, Starlink, would provide free broadband service to the people of Venezuela. This service is slated to continue until February 3, aiming to ensure citizens remain connected during the turbulent political transition.
Starlink officially posted on X: "Starlink is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity." Musk quoted this post, adding the caption, "In support of the people of Venezuela."
The capture of Nicolás Maduro marks a pivotal moment in Venezuela's prolonged political and economic crisis. The combined actions of the US military and the public backing from influential figures like Elon Musk underscore a major shift in the international approach to the situation. The world now watches closely to see how the promised transition unfolds in the coming weeks.
