At a Glance
- President Donald Trump said the U.S. used a secret device called “The Discombobulator” to disable Venezuelan equipment during the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
- He reiterated U.S. plans to strike drug cartels on land, with potential expansion into Mexico.
- The U.S. has already carried out 36 maritime strikes, killing 117 people and seized 7 oil tankers.
Why it matters: The comments reveal a continued U.S. military strategy against Venezuela and drug trafficking, raising questions about international law and regional security.
President Donald Trump made the remarks in a Friday interview with the New York Post, describing a covert weapon that allegedly prevented Venezuelan rockets from launching.
Secret Weapon Claims
Trump said the U.S. possessed a pulsed-energy device he called “The Discombobulator.” He added, “The Discombobulator. I’m not allowed to talk about it.”
He claimed the weapon rendered Venezuelan equipment inoperable: “They never got their rockets off. They had Russian and Chinese rockets, and they never got one off,” Trump told the Post. “We came in, they pressed buttons and nothing worked. They were all set for us.”
The president did not disclose how the device was deployed, but noted earlier that the U.S. had “turned off almost all of the lights in Caracas” during the raid on Maduro’s compound.
Capture of Maduro
The operation that brought Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to New York ended in the U.S. military capturing the Venezuelan president in Caracas. The captured leaders arrived in New York after the operation.
Trump’s comments came as the U.S. continued to pursue Venezuelan assets and personnel, including the seizure of seven oil tankers linked to the Venezuelan government. He stated, “I’m not allowed to tell you,” adding, “But let’s put it this way, they don’t have any oil. We take the oil.”
Military Strikes Against Cartels
The U.S. has intensified its campaign against drug cartels, conducting land strikes and maritime interdictions. A recent strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean was the first such action since Maduro’s capture.
Strike Summary
| Date | Target | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Early September | Various boats | 36 strikes |
| Since capture | 36 boats | 117 deaths |
Trump emphasized the U.S. knowledge of cartel operations: “We know their routes. We know everything about them. We know their homes. We know everything about them.” He also said the strikes could extend to Central America or Mexico: “Could be anywhere.”
Oil Seizures and Industry
The U.S. has seized 7 oil tankers tied to Venezuela. Trump noted that the U.S. has removed the oil aboard these vessels but did not reveal their current locations.
In a separate statement, Trump mentioned that U.S. oil companies are prepared to invest $100 billion to restart the industry, signaling a long-term strategy to secure energy supplies.
Nobel Peace Prize and Arctic Deal
Trump also discussed a Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. He said he was still deciding where to display the prize, which had been given to him earlier that month and was leaning against a statue in the Oval Office.
Regarding Arctic security, Trump claimed a framework with NATO chief Mark Ruttte would grant the U.S. ownership of land where American bases are located. He said, “We’ll have everything we want. We have some interesting talks going on.” The deal remains unclear, with Denmark and Greenland leaders insisting on the sovereignty of the island.
Super Bowl Comment
The president dismissed attending the Super Bowl, calling it a “terrible choice” for performers Bad Bunny and Green Day. He noted he had attended last year’s game in New Orleans.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s interview reveals a secret U.S. weapon, the Discombobulator, used during Maduro’s capture.
- The U.S. has carried out 36 maritime strikes, killing 117 people, and seized 7 oil tankers.
- Future military actions could target drug cartels across North and Central America.
- The U.S. plans to invest $100 billion to revive the oil industry.
- A controversial Arctic security deal with NATO remains in flux.
- Trump’s remarks reflect a broader U.S. strategy to pressure Venezuela and combat drug trafficking.
These statements underscore an ongoing U.S. military and economic campaign that may reshape regional dynamics and international relations.
