Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly criticized Kamala Harris and other Democrats for their remarks regarding the recent arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Rubio pointed out that despite the Biden administration previously offering a substantial reward for Maduro’s capture, it had not taken significant steps to apprehend him until now.
Rubio highlighted that there had been a $25 million reward for Maduro’s capture since 2020, following his indictment on charges such as narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. He expressed disbelief at the Biden administration’s lack of action despite this offer, contrasting it with former President Trump’s decisive approach. “We have a reward for his capture, but we’re not going to enforce it?” Rubio remarked during an interview with NBC News, emphasizing the difference in commitment between the two administrations.
This discussion arose following a U.S. special forces operation known as Operation Absolute Reserve, which successfully captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, near Venezuela’s fortified Ft. Tiuna military compound. Trump noted that U.S. troops breached the compound’s defenses “in a matter of seconds.” The operation marked a significant moment in U.S.-Venezuelan relations.
In response to the operation, Harris condemned the arrest on social media, characterizing it as “unlawful and unwise.” She argued that the action was not genuinely about addressing Maduro’s dictatorship but rather driven by U.S. interests in oil and Trump’s ambitions for regional dominance. Harris cautioned against interventions that have historically led to chaos, urging for a careful approach.
Rubio countered her criticisms, stating that the U.S. does not seek Venezuelan oil but aims to prevent its resources from falling into the hands of adversaries. He stressed the need for a stance that does not compromise national security. Furthermore, Biden’s previous comments from 2020 resurfaced, in which he accused Trump of admiring dictators like Maduro, revealing a stark shift in positions as the events unfolded.
Meanwhile, Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) labeled the operation an “invasion” and criticized Trump for allegedly instigating an illegal war in Venezuela, arguing that the country poses no security threat to the U.S. His earlier writings suggested the necessity of addressing Maduro’s lack of democratic legitimacy while acknowledging concerns over Trump’s aggressive posture towards regime change.
The operation, which involved around 150 aircraft and lasted just under two and a half hours, resulted in significant casualties in Venezuela, including the deaths of at least 40 civilians and soldiers, as reported by various outlets. Meanwhile, Maduro and his wife are now in U.S. custody, poised to face federal charges related to narco-terrorism at the Brooklyn Detention Center.
Nicolás Maduro’s rise to power following Hugo Chavez’s death in 2013 has been marred by accusations of illegitimacy, particularly after the 2018 and 2024 presidential elections, which the U.S. and a majority of nations did not recognize due to alleged electoral fraud. As this situation continues to develop, the dialogue surrounding U.S. foreign policy and its implications for democracy in Venezuela remains a contentious issue among political leaders.