Trump confirms minor US injuries and helicopter hit amid Venezuela military action

Donald Trump highlighted soldiers' professionalism and claimed the operation avoided American deaths despite injuries
PUBLISHED JAN 3, 2026
Donald Trump admitted a helicopter was struck during the mission, yet emphasized it remained intact and operational (Getty Images, @realdonaldtrump/TruthSocial)
Donald Trump admitted a helicopter was struck during the mission, yet emphasized it remained intact and operational (Getty Images, @realdonaldtrump/TruthSocial)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump spoke to Fox News to elaborate on the success of the large-scale military strike against Venezuela and the capture of Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, January 3.

As he praised the efforts and professionalism of the soldiers on the ground, he said that he believed the attack didn’t result in a single American casualty.

However, he admitted that a helicopter had been hit during the operation but that the US didn’t lose the aircraft. 

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 16: U.S. President Donald Trump exits Air Force One for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump exits Air Force One for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Trump touts the capture of Nicolas Maduro 

While speaking to Fox News, President Donald Trump detailed the capture of Nicolas Maduro.

He said that he was able to watch it in real time from Mar-a-Lago. He added that it was amazing to see the professionalism and quality of leadership the military showcased, while praising the “incredible” equipment the American military possessed.

“The level of equipment and to see how it worked so perfectly,” he added.

Trump also indicated that there had been no American casualties during the operation. He clarified that while a few had been injured, it was “really amazing” that there had not been a “death on our side.”

CARACAS, VENEZUELA - NOVEMBER 21: President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro speaks during a march as part of the
President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro speaks during a march as part of the 'Venezuelan Student Day' at Miraflores on November 21, 2025, in Caracas, Venezuela (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)

He also compared the Venezuelan strikes to America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan under the Biden administration, touting redemption. 

“We’re not a laughing stock anymore,” he added. 

Trump chimes in on future involvement with Venezuela

As Donald Trump’s conversation with ‘Fox News’ continued, the president revealed that he expected America to be “strongly involved” with the Venezuelan oil industry in the absence of Maduro. 

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - MAY 01: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks to graduating students at the Coleman Coliseum at the University of Alabama on May 01, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Trump's remarks come the day before commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump delivers remarks to graduating students at the Coleman Coliseum at the University of Alabama on May 01, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

He said that America had the "greatest" and the “biggest” oil companies in the world and that America was “going to be very much involved in it.” 

Vice President JD Vance also commented on the same on X. As he chimed in on the t******king of illegal substances from Venezuela into America, he claimed it needed to be stopped. He also said that the “stolen oil” must be returned to the United States.

“Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says,” he said.

Much like Donald Trump, the vice president also praised the military personnel who went to Venezuela and called the operation “truly impressive.”

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