Trump hails special forces for their role in capture of Nicolas Maduro: 'We are feared by enemies'

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA: President Donald Trump and First lady Melania Trump visited Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the world, on Friday, February 13. During the visit, he praised special forces for their role in removing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. 

He called the mission “incredible” and “precise.” He spoke to the soldiers and their families, thanking them for their service and offering words meant to lift their spirits. POTUS said, “the entire world saw what the full military might" what the country is capable of. He added that America’s enemies “fear” its military. 

Trump says rivals fear military strength 

Trump spoke at great length about the planning and execution of the special forces mission that captured Maduro. He emphasized his strong backing of the troops, saying, “Your commander in chief supports you totally.” He said, “When needed, you’re going to fight, fight, fight. You’re going to win, win, win.”

Discussing the January 3 operation, Trump described how quickly events unfolded, saying, “It was a matter of minutes before he was on a helicopter being taken out.” He praised the personnel involved as “some of our greatest soldiers to ever live, frankly,” and referred to Maduro as an “outlaw dictator.”

Reflecting on the impact of the mission, he said, “That night, the entire world saw what the full military might (of) the US military is capable.” He added, “It was so precise, so incredible.”

Looking ahead, Trump pledged continued strength and readiness, stating, “As long as I’m president, we will be the best led, the best trained, the best equipped, the most disciplined and the most elite fighting force the world has ever seen.” He stressed that rivals are aware of that strength, saying, “Everybody knows it.”

He also said other countries understand what they would face in a conflict and expressed hope that military power would prevent future tests. Trump concluded, “America’s respected again. And, perhaps most importantly, we are feared by the enemies all over the globe.” After the speech, he and the first lady met privately with military families.

Trump cites military recruiting success and pay raise

Trump also talked about strong recruitment numbers and higher standards in the military. He said the Navy, Air Force and Space Force reached their recruiting goals five months early last year. He added that the Army has gone even further and is now at 116% of its goal.

Trump said merit is now the “sole consideration” in recruiting and promotions, calling it a return to performance and readiness. He stressed physical fitness, telling recruits, “You want to get into the military? You gotta have a little muscle. You gotta be strong.”

He also pointed to money for troops, saying what he called the “One Big Beautiful Bill” includes a pay raise for service members. Trump said the measure is meant to reward them and help keep recruitment strong.