In a dramatic move early Saturday morning, January 3, 2026, President Trump announced that U.S. forces had conducted a “major strike” in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The operation, conducted by the elite Delta Force as part of “Operation Southern Spear,” has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers.
U.S. lawmakers’ response
The response in Washington is divided between support for the removal of “a tyrant” and deep concerns about the legal authority of such military intervention.
Supporters (mainly Republicans):
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR): Confirmed that he spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told him that Maduro was in U.S. custody and would face trial on criminal charges.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT): While briefing on the detention, he expressed constitutional concerns, saying he was looking forward to learning "what constitutional justification there is for this action, absent a declaration of war."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Described the detention as the end of Maduro's rule and said that Maduro "does not expect to take any further action in Venezuela" now that he is in custody.
Opposition and Critics (Bipartisan):
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), and Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX): This bipartisan group had already introduced a war powers resolution to prevent hostilities in December. Rep. McGovern accused the administration of dragging the United States into an "illegal war," while Rep. Massie insisted that only Congress has the power to declare war.
Congress Armed Services Committee: Sources said the committees — which have jurisdiction over military matters — were not notified in advance of the operation, leading to frustration over the lack of transparency.
Operation details
Strike: At approximately 2:00 a.m. local time, at least seven explosions targeted military bases and antennas in Caracas.
Capture: Trump posted on Truth Social at 5:21 a.m. ET that Maduro and his wife had been “captured and deported.”
Legal basis: Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and Flores have been indicted in New York on drug-terrorism charges. The administration appears to be using the “counternarcotics” framework to justify military action without a formal declaration of war.
Current situation in Venezuela: Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has demanded "proof of life" for Maduro and declared a state of "external unrest", mobilizing the National Defense Forces.
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