DHS official claims Nicolas Maduro is 'largely responsible' for fueling America’s d*ug crisis

WASHINGTON, DC: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed on Sunday, January 4, that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is "largely responsible" for fueling America's d*ug crisis.

During an appearance on Fox News' 'The Big Weekend Show,' McLaughlin said that Maduro's arrest is "a day of hope" for Americans and the Venezuelan people.

Tricia McLaughlin calls Nicolas Maduro's arrest 'a day closer to justice'

Tricia McLaughlin said during the show, "What a start of the year for the American people, for President Trump, for the people of Venezuela, a day of hope and a day closer to justice for the American people."

She added that hundreds of thousands of American families continue to be affected by d*ug-related deaths, blaming Maduro for helping funnel n*rcotics into the country. 

"Hundreds of thousands of Americans and American families grapple with overdoses, hundreds of thousands of deaths, and Nicolas Maduro is largely responsible for funneling deadly d*ugs into our borders, as Secretary Kristi Noem mentioned, really opening up their prisons and flooding the United States with these national security threats," the DHS Assistant Secretary said.

She also added, "I don't think it can be overstated, the thousands, if not millions, of lives that President Trump saved with this bold and brilliant action by our US Armed forces."

Following Maduro's arrest, Venezuela’s military formally recognized Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the country’s acting leader. In a televised speech, Rodriguez condemned the US military action and addressed Venezuela’s political future in the wake of Maduro’s capture.

Trump says Venezuela must restore 'law and order' before elections

President Trump stated that Venezuela must first return to "law and order" and restore economic discipline before any discussion of elections can occur. 

The POTUS said the US would temporarily take charge of the country until a judicial transition is completed. He said, "We want peace, liberty and justice. We should run the country properly."

In an interview on Sunday, January 4, the president dismissed questions about supporting opposition figures. This included opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. He mentioned no current figure has the public backing required to govern.

"I don’t think she’s got the support of the people that she has to have. That’s all," Trump said. 

The POTUS said that the US must help restore "law and order" in Venezuela before elections can even be considered. He also argued that the country’s deep economic and social collapse makes voting less important right now, according to the New York Post.

Trump also stated that he is not concerned that the situation in Venezuela could escalate into a conflict for the nation. He mentioned that it would not repeat the kind of prolonged involvement seen in Iraq or Afghanistan.