At a Glance
- President Trump posted a photo of captured Venezuelan President Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima.
- Maduro and his wife were charged by the Southern District of New York.
- The U.S. operation involved a highly guarded fortress and a Delta Force assault.
- Why it matters: The capture and public release highlight U.S. intervention in Venezuela and raise questions about international law and diplomatic relations.
President Trump’s Truth Social post showing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, handcuffed and in casual attire, was released on Saturday after the U.S. military operation that seized Maduro and his wife aboard the USS Iwo Jima. The photo and accompanying statements from Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi underscore the legal and political ramifications of the U.S. action.
Photo Release and Capture Details
The photo, posted to Trump’s Truth Social account, shows Maduro in a sweatshirt, sweatpants, headphones, and dark glasses, holding a water bottle and handcuffed. Trump confirmed that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were aboard the USS Iwo Jima and headed to New York.
- Maduro in casual attire
- Handcuffed
- Holding water bottle
- Ship heading to New York
Legal and Operational Context
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the pair will be charged in the Southern District of New York. Trump said Maduro was in a highly guarded “fortress” at the time of capture and that the U.S. forces built a house identical to the one they entered. He added that Maduro was trying to reach a safety space but was rushed before he could enter.
President Trump stated:
> “They actually built a house which was identical to the one they went into with all the safes, all the steel all over the place.”
President Trump added:
> “He was attempting to get into a safety space shortly before he was captured, but got rushed so fast that he didn’t get into there.”
President Trump said:
> “Maduro was in a highly guarded fortress at the time of his capture.”
The U.S. elite special mission unit known as Delta Force reportedly carried out the attack, but Trump declined to confirm.
International Reactions
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanded that the Trump administration share proof the Maduros were still alive hours after the photo was posted. Trump also shared a compilation video allegedly showing the strikes.
- Rodriguez demanded proof of Maduros’ survival
- Trump shared video of strikes
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Photo posted | Saturday | Trump’s Truth Social post of captured Maduro |
| Charges announced | Saturday | Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed charges in Southern District of New York |
| Interview with Fox News | Earlier | Trump confirmed Maduro and Flores aboard USS Iwo Jima heading to New York |
| Rodriguez demands proof | Hours after photo | Venezuelan VP demanded proof of Maduros’ survival |
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s photo release marks a public display of the Maduro capture.
- The U.S. charges will be filed in the Southern District of New York.
- International scrutiny intensifies over the legality and execution of the operation.
The U.S. operation and its public presentation continue to stir debate over the limits of executive power and international intervention.
