Inside the U.S. Operation to Oust Venezuela’s President - The Daily Recap

Podcast: The Daily

Published: 2026-01-04

Duration: 29 minutes

Guests: Eric Schmitt

Summary

The episode covers the U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, detailing the planning and execution stages, and explores the subsequent implications for Venezuela and U.S. foreign policy.

What Happened

The episode begins with the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, marking a historical event as it hasn't happened in 25 years since such an operation was conducted. Eric Schmitt, a national security correspondent, details the operation which involved months of planning, including gathering intelligence on Maduro's daily routine through CIA operatives and informants.

The military operation, known as 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' was executed with precision by the U.S. Army's Delta Force. Special operations were initially aimed at striking narcotic trafficking routes, but later expanded to include targeted strikes on Venezuelan oil tankers to pressure Maduro economically.

The operation culminated with U.S. forces launching an attack on Caracas, employing drones and helicopters to capture Maduro in a safe house. Despite some resistance, the operation was successful, and Maduro was transported to New York to face charges.

President Trump announced the success of the operation and stated that the U.S. would temporarily run Venezuela, aiming to restore its oil infrastructure and stabilize the economy. This decision sparked surprise and criticism, as it signaled a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.

Trump's plan involves using Venezuela's oil reserves to benefit both the U.S. and Venezuela, promising economic improvement for the country. However, critics argue that this approach could lead to prolonged U.S. involvement in Venezuela's governance, reminiscent of past interventions.

The episode concludes with a discussion on global implications and the potential challenges of managing Venezuela's complex political landscape, including resistance from remaining members of Maduro's regime and the military.

Key Insights

• The U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, named 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' was the first of its kind in 25 years, involving precise coordination by the U.S. Army's Delta Force.
• The operation initially targeted narcotic trafficking routes but expanded to include economic pressure tactics, such as strikes on Venezuelan oil tankers, to weaken Maduro's regime.
• Maduro was captured in a safe house in Caracas using drones and helicopters, and subsequently transported to New York to face charges, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.
• The U.S. plans to temporarily govern Venezuela with the aim of restoring its oil infrastructure, a move that has drawn criticism due to concerns about prolonged U.S. involvement in the country's governance.