Trump Captures Maduro, Florida Republicans Laud Operation

President Trump conducted a military operation on January 3, 2026, that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

“In Miami, the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the United States military presents itself not only as a good day for the future of Venezuelan democracy, but also as a possible precursor to a change in Cuba”

El Nuevo Herald

The operation involved bomb blasts and explosions that ended Saturday morning, after which Venezuelans rushed to the streets.

El Nuevo Herald

Some Venezuelans engaged in 'nervous shopping' runs to stock up on essential supplies amid fears of potential fighting and looting.

Following the capture, Trump announced that the United States would effectively 'run' Venezuela until a political transition takes place.

This signals a major shift in U.S. policy toward the South American nation and sets the stage for potential military occupation.

Florida Republicans enthusiastically praised the operation, with multiple representatives from the state celebrating the capture.

Multiple representatives compared the operation to historic moments of freedom.

The Hill

The state's large Venezuelan, Cuban, and Nicaraguan populations created a particularly receptive audience for the action.

Images showed crowds celebrating in Doral, Florida, following the news of Maduro's capture.

Representative Carlos Gimenez drew parallels between the operation and 'the fall of the Berlin Wall.'

Representative Mario Diaz-Balart described the action as 'decisive leadership.'

Miami-area representatives highlighted Florida's significance as home to the largest exile communities from these Latin American nations.

The international community reacted with widespread condemnation of the U.S. military action.

“byJulia Manchester01/03/26 11:05 AM ET Florida Republicans widely lauded President Trump’soperation to capture Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduroon Saturday, citing the state’s strong ties to the South American nation”

The Hill

Numerous governments and international organizations criticized it as a violation of international law.

The United Nations, European leaders, and many Latin American governments denounced the operation.

These leaders warned the action set a dangerous precedent for international relations.

Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and other regional powers specifically condemned the action as an assault on sovereignty.

Several Caribbean nations expressed alarm and sought to distance themselves from the operation.

Even Iran and Russia criticized the intervention, highlighting deep international divisions.

Only Argentina's president among international leaders was reported to have applauded the action.

Following Maduro's capture, President Trump outlined plans for direct U.S. involvement in Venezuela's governance.

Trump declared that American forces would 'run it essentially until such time as a proper transition can take place.'

The Hill

The president announced his administration would likely discuss similar actions toward Cuba.

Trump described Cuba as a 'failing' nation similar to Venezuela.

Trump's statements indicated a potential deal with remaining members of Venezuela's socialist regime.

This deal appeared to sideline opposition leader María Corina Machado, raising questions about the political transition.

Florida Republicans continued to praise the operation, with Representative Maria Elvia Salazar calling it 'extraordinary'.

Salazar thanked Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. servicemembers for the action.

Miami's Democratic leadership offered a more tempered reaction to the military operation.

“In Miami, the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the United States military presents itself not only as a good day for the future of Venezuelan democracy, but also as a possible precursor to a change in Cuba”

El Nuevo Herald

Local officials expressed both concern about the means used and solidarity with the Venezuelan community.

El Nuevo Herald

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava criticized Trump's military strikes as showing troubling 'military aggression.'

Levine Cava noted the strikes were carried out without congressional approval.

Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins avoided directly criticizing the strikes but joined Levine Cava in condemning the end of TPS.

Higgins called the TPS decision reckless and urged Trump to reinstate protections.

The mixed reactions highlighted complex political dynamics in South Florida.

The Venezuelan community expressed hope while Democratic leaders maintained concerns about unilateral military action.

The U.S. military operation in Venezuela had immediate practical consequences both within Venezuela and across the Caribbean region.

Inside Venezuela, residents rushed to pharmacies, supermarkets, and stores following the explosions.

Venezuelans purchased water, corn flour, butter, cheese, bread, rice, and non-perishable food items.

The purchases were in preparation for potential extended fighting.

In the Caribbean, dozens of flights were canceled as the FAA closed airspace following the strike.

American Airlines reported the airspace shutdown affected flights to 19 destinations in the Eastern Caribbean.

These included Aruba, Curaçao, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas.

The disruptions highlighted the regional impact of the military operation.