BREAKING: U.S. Special Forces successfully executed a nighttime raid on October 6, 2023, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, which unfolded as President Donald Trump watched from his Mar-a-Lago estate, marks a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Sources confirm that Rubio, a key architect of the operation, has been preparing for this moment for years. As the son of Cuban immigrants in Florida, Rubio has been a staunch opponent of Maduro’s regime, which has driven thousands of Venezuelans into exile. His influence within the Trump Administration has solidified him as a central figure in shaping U.S. strategy toward Venezuela.
In the hours following the raid, Trump announced that Rubio would oversee efforts to “run” Venezuela, a vague statement that has raised questions about the future governance of the country. “There’s a lot about Venezuela that is not easily governed,” warned a former senior U.S. diplomat, emphasizing the complexities involved in post-Maduro transitions.
Key preparations for this operation were conducted at the White House, where Rubio collaborated closely with Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Their partnership has been instrumental in crafting a hardline strategy against Maduro, focusing on economic and military pressure. While the details of U.S. plans for a post-Maduro Venezuela remain unclear, Rubio’s leadership is pivotal as the administration embarks on nation-building efforts.
Former officials express skepticism about the administration’s capacity for a democratic transition, noting that much of the planning has occurred in isolation from traditional diplomatic channels. Todd Robinson, former acting U.S. ambassador to Venezuela, voiced concerns about the absence of a clear strategy:
“My hope is that the administration has really planned this out.”
Despite criticism from lawmakers regarding past claims that the administration was not pursuing regime change, Rubio has become the primary voice in discussions about the U.S. approach. He recently briefed key Congress members about the raid, showcasing his communication skills and deep understanding of complex geopolitical issues.
Following Maduro’s capture, Trump has emphasized the need for economic coercion in Venezuela, targeting oil revenues to pressure interim leader Delcy Rodriguez. “That’s a tremendous amount of leverage that will continue to be in place until we see changes,” Rubio stated, highlighting the administration’s focus on national interests such as migration and drug trafficking.
As the situation evolves, the administration faces mounting criticism over its lack of a clear framework for governing Venezuela. Experts question how long officials aligned with Maduro might retain power and what the role of U.S. diplomacy will be without a physical presence in the country. “If we’re in charge, they’re going to have to start naming people — who’s in charge of what?” Robinson added.
Rubio’s deep-rooted opposition to Maduro stems from his personal and political background, with strong support from the Venezuelan community in Florida. “About 100% of the people in Miami that either come from Cuba or Venezuela or Nicaragua are all looking for freedom,” noted Rep. Carlos Gimenez.
As the administration moves forward, Rubio’s effectiveness and ability to coordinate a comprehensive plan will be critical. Trump and Rubio have begun outlining their vision for a post-Maduro Venezuela, but many uncertainties remain about the practicalities of implementing such a strategy.
This operation represents a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in Venezuela and could reshape the political landscape in the region. As developments unfold, all eyes will be on Rubio and the Trump Administration to deliver a coherent plan that addresses the complex realities of leading a nation in turmoil.
