JANUARY 3, 2025 – Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivered a speech about the capture of Maduro and praises President Trump’s bold Venezuela raid that captured the dictator.
“Finally a Commander-in-chief the world respects… American warriors are second to none… No other country on planet Earth could pull this off.”
“Nicolas Maduro had his chance, just like Iran had their chance until they didn’t and until he didn’t. He effed around and he found out.”
“President Trump is deadly serious about stopping the flow of gangs, violence, drugs, and poison… Getting back the oil that was stolen from us… This is America first. This is peace through strength.”
“Welcome to 2026. And under President Trump, America is back.”
“This was a law enforcement exercise. It was the Department of War, in support of the Department of Justice, pulling out an indicted person, who ultimately will face justice…
This is not something you notify Congress about beforehand.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says President Trump will control what happens next in Venezuela.
“The drugs stop flowing. The oil taken from us is returned!”
“He will be able to dictate where we go next.”
“Trump sets the terms.”