Trump on Maduro's capture and control

At a press conference, US President Donald Trump spoke about the situation in Venezuela. According to Trump, Operation 'Midnight Hammer'—'an operation unlike anything people have seen since World War II'—led to Maduro's capture in the middle of the night at his stronghold in Caracas. He emphasized that Venezuela's military capabilities proved powerless, no American service member was killed, and US equipment was not expended.

Trump stated that the United States intends to manage Venezuela until a 'reliable and reasonable transfer of power' emerges. He said, 'We will compel huge American oil companies to invest billions of dollars into rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure and earning money for the country.'

The president warned of readiness for a 'second and larger attack, if necessary.' He noted that Maduro and his wife 'will soon face the full force of American justice, stand trial on US territory, in New York, and then in Miami or another city in the state.'

Trump also stated that the US continues to maintain a large armada and keeps all military options on the table until US demands are met, and that 'American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never again be questioned.'