JD Vance Absent from Trump’s Venezuela Briefing Amid Security Concerns, Yet Played Key Role Behind the Scenes
PALM BEACH, Fla. — Vice President JD Vance was notably absent from President Donald Trump’s January 3 news conference announcing the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, a high-profile operation that has sent shockwaves through international politics. Despite his absence from the public spotlight, Vance was deeply involved in the planning and execution of the mission, according to a spokesperson familiar with the details.
Trump revealed that Maduro was taken into U.S. custody during a meticulously coordinated military operation, with U.S. troops playing a significant role at a “very high level.” The president did not rule out a sustained military presence in Venezuela, emphasizing that the U.S. is prepared for “boots on the ground” if necessary to ensure a “safe, orderly” transition of power.
At the briefing, Trump was flanked by key officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. However, Vice President Vance was absent due to heightened security concerns. His spokesperson explained that the national security team feared that a late-night motorcade movement by Vance during the operation’s critical phase could have compromised the mission by alerting Venezuelan forces.
Instead, Vance monitored the operation remotely via secure video conference from Mar-a-Lago, maintaining close communication with Trump and other senior officials throughout the night. After the operation concluded, he returned to Cincinnati. The spokesperson also noted that increased security concerns have led Trump and Vance to limit the frequency and duration of their in-person meetings outside the White House.
Despite not attending the briefing, Vance publicly praised the operation on social media platform X, stating, “Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says.” He also addressed critics who questioned the legality of the mission, highlighting Maduro’s multiple indictments in the United States for narco-terrorism. “You don’t get to avoid justice for drug trafficking in the United States because you live in a palace in Caracas,” Vance wrote.
The operation marks a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in Venezuela, a country long plagued by political turmoil and economic collapse under Maduro’s socialist regime. Trump’s announcement that the U.S. will effectively “run” Venezuela until a transition of power can be safely established signals a new chapter in American foreign policy. The president indicated that U.S. officials are already engaging with Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, who was “picked by Maduro” but is reportedly willing to cooperate with the U.S. to “make Venezuela great.”
The capture of Maduro follows months of intelligence gathering and covert planning, with former CIA officials praising the operation’s execution. Rick de la Torre, former CIA Chief of Station in Caracas, described the mission as “executed nearly flawlessly,” underscoring the high level of coordination among U.S. agencies.
This development has drawn varied reactions from global leaders and U.S. lawmakers alike, with some praising the decisive action and others warning of potential geopolitical repercussions. The House Foreign Affairs Committee chair noted that Trump carefully weighed the risks and future implications of the Venezuela operation.
As the situation evolves, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency continue to monitor on-the-ground developments. The Department of State has also emphasized its commitment to supporting a peaceful transition in Venezuela, working closely with international partners.
Vance’s behind-the-scenes involvement and remote monitoring of the operation highlight the complex security considerations surrounding high-stakes missions. His absence from the public briefing reflects a cautious approach to safeguarding operational secrecy, even as the administration moves forward with a bold strategy in Latin America.
For ongoing updates on U.S. foreign policy and national security operations, visit the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense official websites.
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