In a significant revelation, former US President Donald Trump has disclosed that he personally monitored the high-stakes military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump described watching the event unfold in real time, lauding it as a testament to American military prowess.
"I Watched Every Aspect": Trump's Real-Time Vigil
Trump provided details about his direct involvement in overseeing the mission. On January 3, 2026, he told Fox News that he had a front-row seat to the entire operation. "I was able to watch it in real time, and I watched every aspect of it," Trump stated. He emphasized that he even listened to the live communications between the command in Florida and the forces on the ground in Venezuela.
The former President expressed profound admiration for the troops involved. He called the display of professionalism and quality of leadership "amazing." Trump's account highlights a direct, hands-on approach to monitoring critical international military actions from his private club.
Praise for Precision and Advanced Technology
Central to Trump's comments was his praise for the skill of the US forces and the advanced equipment deployed during the overnight mission. He underscored that everything in the complex operation "worked so perfectly."
"It's been amazing to see how good they were, how professional they were, how incredible the equipment we have is," Trump remarked. He pointed to the technological edge as a key factor in the mission's success. A critical outcome he highlighted was the absence of US casualties. "To have a few injuries, but no death on our side, is really amazing," he added, framing it as a major achievement.
A Sharp Contrast with the Past
Trump did not miss the opportunity to draw a stark comparison with a previous administration's military action. He directly contrasted the successful Venezuela operation with the US withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden.
This comparison was used to signal a perceived shift in American military effectiveness and global standing. "We're not a laughingstock anymore," Trump declared, implying that the operation had restored a sense of respect and capability to US forces on the world stage. This statement is likely to resonate in discussions about foreign policy and military strategy.
The capture of Nicolás Maduro marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela. Trump's detailed firsthand account of monitoring the operation adds a new layer to the narrative, emphasizing coordination, technological superiority, and a decisive outcome with minimal American losses.
