Republicans hail Trump's leadership after Venezuela strike and Nicolas Maduro's capture

Carlos Gimenez called the strike a hemispheric turning point, while Mario Diaz‑Balart said that Donald Trump acted with resolve where others hesitated
In a Fox News call, President Donald Trump said that he listened to field communications from Mar‑a‑Lago during the raid and praised the professionalism of US forces (Getty Images)
In a Fox News call, President Donald Trump said that he listened to field communications from Mar‑a‑Lago during the raid and praised the professionalism of US forces (Getty Images)


WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump announced a strike on Venezuelan soil and the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro, on Saturday, January 3, via a post on Truth Social.

Soon after the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, Pam Bondi, the attorney general, took to X to announce that the Maduros had been indicted in the Southern District of New York.

She also revealed that Nicolas Maduro had been booked with several charges of conspiracy and d**gs. 

The latest development was received with praise from Trump’s fellow republicans, who stated that the president had changed the course of history.

Smoke raises at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Smoke rises at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, January 3, 2026 (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Republicans liken Venezuela strike to Berlin Wall's fall

Republican representative Carlos Gimenez from Florida issued a statement on X praising the strike on Venezuela.

He said that Donald Trump had changed the “course of history” as he praised the “brave service members” and America.

He added that because Trump was willing to confront “evil” head-on, the world would be safer. He also revealed that he had spoken to Marco Rubio after the attack’s execution.

“I can say with absolute confidence: Today’s decisive action is this hemisphere’s equivalent to the Fall of the Berlin Wall,” Gimenez claimed.

He further praised the soldiers who carried out the operation with “precision, courage, and honor,” noting that they had paired strength with “moral clarity.”

WASHINGTON - APRIL 21:  U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) speaks as David J. Byrd (L), Se
Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) speaks as David J Byrd (L), Sen Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Sylvia Thompson (R), an attorney from Brooklyn, New York, listen during a news conference with African American and Hispanic leaders to highlight the GOP's commitment to save and strengthen Social Security on Capitol Hill April 21, 2005 in Washington, DC (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Rep Mario Diaz-Balart also praised the strike ordered by Donald Trump, noting that it was what “decisive leadership” looked like. He added that under the allegedly illegitimate regime of Maduro, America had faced an “unprecedented” security threat. 

He stated that while others had “dithered” in recognizing the threat, Trump had recognized it and “acted with resolve.”

Senate Minority Leader from South Dakota John Thune, echoed the above-mentioned congressmen’s thoughts while praising the capture of Nicolas Maduro.

He said that it was an “important first step” in bringing him to justice for the crimes he had committed and was grateful to all those who had carried out the strike.

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 24: U.S. President Donald Trump calls service members on Christmas Eve at the Mar-a-Lago resort on December 24, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump is spending the holidays in Florida this year. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump calls service members on Christmas Eve at the Mar-a-Lago resort on December 24, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Trump was able to watch Venezuela strikes 'in real time'

During a telephonic conversation with Fox News, Donald Trump said that he had been able to watch the military strike from his Mar-a-Lago resort in “real time.” 

He added that he had watched every aspect and listened to the communication between the officials in Florida and those in the field in Venezuela.

Trump praised the professionalism and the leadership showcased during the strike, adding that it was “amazing to see how good they were.”

He also revealed that there had been “no deaths on our side," and said that it was an amazing thing to witness. 

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

According to FBI sources, investigators were informed in advance that Savannah Guthrie planned to release another message
4 hours ago
Prosecutors said DNA linked Tyler Robinson to the suspected murder weapon, while surveillance footage tracked him before and after the shooting
5 hours ago
In a statement, Gavin Newsom's office said the California governor had already acknowledged his actions and publicly apologised nearly two decades ago
6 hours ago
Savannah Guthrie's emotional appeal comes weeks after reports of a second anonymous note claiming her mother had died
1 day ago
Authorities believed Kristopher Karolkiewicz intentionally set multiple fires throughout the house in an apparent attempt to destroy the scene
1 day ago
Ashley Whitehead was shot while attending the Seattle festival, shared final 'I love you' with her daughter, and died during emergency surgery
1 day ago
Three people were killed and four others, including a two-year-old boy, were wounded in the shooting at Seattle Center
1 day ago
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two rival groups
1 day ago
Kyle Kuzma questioned whether Zohran Mamdani was focusing on mayoral duties after the New York City mayor's comments on Benjamin Netanyahu
2 days ago
Authorities said a toddler was among those hospitalized after gunfire sparked panic at Seattle's annual event as investigators searched for a suspect
2 days ago