President Donald Trump defended the secrecy surrounding the US operation that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Trump emphasized that advance notification to Congress or others could have jeopardized the mission. He stated that the action aimed to send a clear message to adversaries in the Western Hemisphere and beyond.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the mission was not the type that could have been pre-notified to Congress. Rubio described it as a trigger-based operation dependent on specific conditions being met over multiple nights. He highlighted the critical nature of maintaining secrecy to ensure the success of the mission.
Trump reiterated the necessity of keeping the operation confidential, citing concerns about potential leaks from Congress. He emphasized that the core objective of the operation was to apprehend two individuals indicted for crimes against American justice. Trump revealed that Maduro was intercepted while trying to reach a secure location, preventing his escape.
When asked about Maduro’s detention, Trump disclosed that Maduro would be brought to New York for legal proceedings. He confirmed that Maduro and his wife would face trial in the United States. Trump underscored that the operation was a strong warning to those who might threaten American sovereignty or lives.
