January 3, 2026
FROM CONGRESSMAN NICK LANGWORTHY: “Early this morning, American servicemembers carried out a decisive operation with far-reaching implications for our hemisphere. The capture of Nicolás Maduro marks an important step toward dismantling the narco-terror networks that have fueled violence, corruption, and the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.
“Maduro is not merely an authoritarian figure—he is a murderous criminal who has overseen the repression, imprisonment, and killing of his own people. On March 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice formally indicted him on charges of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption. Today, those charges are met with real accountability.
“This outcome is the result of decisive action by President Trump, who has made clear that the United States will confront criminal regimes that threaten our security and destabilize our region. This is what peace through strength looks like—clear resolve backed by action.
“The message to dictators, terrorists, and transnational criminal organizations is unmistakable: there is no safe harbor for those who seek to harm the United States or the American people. Nicolás Maduro was never a legitimate leader—he was the head of a criminal cartel masquerading as a government. History shows that when narco-states threaten regional stability and American security, the United States has acted before. President George H. W. Bush’s decision to remove Manuel Noriega established that criminal regimes will not be tolerated. Today’s action follows that same principle—accountability, the rule of law, and the defense of peace through strength.
“With Maduro now facing justice, the Venezuelan people have a real opportunity to move toward a more stable, democratic future.”
FROM CONGRESSWOMAN CLAUDIA TENNEY: “Last night, under the leadership of President Trump, Secretary Marco Rubio and Secretary Pete Hegseth, the U.S. conducted a decisive and successful action against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his illegitimate regime. This operation sends a clear message that the United States will stand firmly against tyranny and corruption that threaten US security in our hemisphere. I also want to recognize the brave men and women of the United States Military for carrying out a flawless operation with professionalism, precision, and strength. Their service continues to protect freedom and uphold American leadership on the world stage. Nicolás Maduro was not only a brutal dictator, but an indicted drug trafficker. The people in Venezuela now have the opportunity to pursue freedom and prosperity.”
FROM CONGRESSWOMAN ELISE STEFANIK: As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Intelligence Committee, l am grateful for our brave troops, intelligence officers, and law enforcement who ensured a successful military operation in Venezuela leading to the arrest and indictment of the illegitimate narco terrorist Nicolas Maduro. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have been killed by Maduro’s terrorist cartels trafficking deadly drugs into our country. Justice must be served.”
FROM CONGRESSWOMAN NICHOLE MOLLIOTAKIS: “Nicolás Maduro has been captured by U.S. forces and brought to New York to face charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. This bold and decisive action by the Trump Administration is a major victory for American security and justice. Maduro, the illegitimate ruler of Venezuela, empowered violent gangs and drug cartels, causing the deaths of countless Americans, and aligned with hostile regimes in Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba, threatening our national security and the stability of the Western Hemisphere.
Under his corrupt and socialist rule, Venezuela’s economy collapsed, forcing over eight million Venezuelans to flee their homeland. It is my hope that the Venezuelan people can now reclaim their nation and finally live in freedom.”
