Trump’s Military Raid Ends Maduro’s Regime, Opens Path for Venezuelan Freedom
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The recent military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro marks a historic turning point for a nation long plagued by authoritarian rule and economic collapse. Former Vice President Mike Pence, in a statement released on January 10, 2026, praised former President Donald Trump and the United States armed forces for their decisive action that ended decades of socialist tyranny in Venezuela and brought justice to the region.
For years, Venezuela suffered under Maduro’s regime, which succeeded the rule of Hugo Chávez in imposing a harsh socialist system that devastated the country’s economy and civil society. Once one of Latin America’s wealthiest nations, Venezuela descended into widespread deprivation, with families facing hunger, hospitals lacking basic medicines, and millions fleeing the country amid violence and despair. The regime’s centralized control over the oil industry, electricity, and telecommunications crippled free enterprise and led to hyperinflation and societal collapse.
Pence recalled the Trump administration’s sustained efforts to isolate Maduro’s government, including building a coalition of over 60 nations and securing bipartisan support in Congress to recognize the illegitimacy of Maduro’s rule. The administration froze regime assets to prevent their use in human rights abuses and provided nearly $1 billion in humanitarian aid to the Venezuelan people. Notably, the administration invoked the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, the Western Hemisphere’s mutual defense pact, for the first time since 2001, signaling a strong U.S. commitment to regional security and freedom.
“Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump and the professionalism of the United States armed forces, Maduro is gone,” Pence said. “His grip on Venezuela has been broken, and a long-suffering people now have a historic opportunity to reclaim their freedom and rebuild their nation.”
The military raid, which culminated in Maduro’s capture and subsequent transfer to the United States to face justice, was widely seen as a bold and unprecedented move. It ended years of failed diplomatic efforts and sanctions that had failed to dislodge the dictator. The operation was conducted with precision by U.S. forces, underscoring the capabilities and resolve of America’s military.
Experts have noted that Maduro’s regime was characterized by election fraud, political imprisonment, suppression of the free press, and widespread corruption, which turned government institutions into criminal enterprises. The Trump administration’s approach combined diplomatic pressure with strategic military readiness, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to restore democracy in Venezuela.
Humanitarian organizations and U.S. agencies have since been mobilizing to assist Venezuelans as the country embarks on a difficult path toward recovery. The U.S. Agency for International Development continues to coordinate aid efforts to address food insecurity and medical shortages. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Venezuela’s transition and rebuilding democratic institutions.
On the ground, Venezuelans across Latin America have expressed relief and hope. Celebrations erupted in cities such as Santiago, Chile, following the announcement of Maduro’s capture, symbolizing a collective yearning for freedom and stability.
While the road ahead remains challenging, the removal of Maduro’s regime is a critical step toward reversing decades of decline. The United States, through agencies like the Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency, is expected to continue providing support to ensure a peaceful transition and to prevent any resurgence of authoritarianism.
As Venezuela begins to rebuild, the international community watches closely, hopeful that the country can restore its democratic foundations and improve the lives of millions who have endured years of hardship under socialist rule.
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