Trump Says the US Has Captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

President Donald Trump said US forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife after a large‑scale military strike on Venezuela early Saturday. Trump addressed the nation about the operation during an 11 a.m. ET press conference.

What We Know: Several explosions were reported in Venezuela's capital city of Caracas, according to witnesses cited by ABC News (Lean Left bias). Attorney General Pam Bondi said shortly afterward the strike that Maduro and his wife had been indicted in the Southern District of New York on drug trafficking and firearm charges. Multiple outlets reported that the US Army's Delta Force carried out the operation to capture Maduro. In response, Venezuela declared a national state of emergency and said it "rejects and denounces" what it called U.S. military aggression. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he does not anticipate further US military action against Venezuela.

A Venezuelan expert told Fox News that opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González are expected to lead a transitional government after Maduro's ouster. The United States recognizes González as Venezuela's legitimate leader following his wide 2024 election win, which Maduro refused to accept after blocking Machado from the race.

Key Quote: Trump wrote on Truth Social at 4:21 a.m. ET: "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago."

For Context: Maduro's reported capture follows many months of aggressive US rhetoric and actions towards Venezuela, dating back to President Biden's administration. In recent months, mainstream media commentators across the spectrum have debated whether the US should go to war with Venezuela.

World Leaders Respond: Following Saturday's U.S. strikes on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro, world leaders and governments issued a wave of statements and social media posts, many expressing concern. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on X: "The Government of the Republic of Colombia views with deep concern the reports of explosions and unusual air activity in recent hours in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as well as the resulting escalation of tension in the region." Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X: "Ukraine has not recognised Maduro's legitimacy following rigged elections and violence against protestors, along with dozens of other countries in different parts of the world. The people of Venezuela must have a chance for a normal life, security, prosperity, and human dignity. We will continue to support their right to such normality, respect, and freedom."

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum offered live coverage early Saturday and noted that the news is based solely on Trump's claim at the moment. However, there were some key differences in how some framed the story.The Daily Beast (Left) described the US operation as potentially unconstitutional, saying Trump "bombed Venezuela" and kept a "deadly secret," while emphasizing that Congress and the Senate were not informed. The National Review (Lean Right) highlighted the strike as a decisive and justified takedown of an illegitimate regime, stressing law enforcement, accountability, and long‑standing U.S. pressure on Maduro.

This is a breaking story and will be updated. Written by the AllSides staff (of humans). Learn more. Support our mission.