6 January 2026

Assessing Venezuela’s Future After Nicolás Maduro’s Bold Capture

Shannon K. O'Neil, Elliott Abrams, Max Boot, and Roxanna Vigil

U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife after weeks of mounting military pressure on Venezuela. The regime leader has been removed from Venezuela, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said he would face drug and weapons charges in the Southern District of New York.
More From Our Experts

During a press conference after his initial announcement, President Donald Trump said that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” could occur, but he did not provide a timeline or details on his plans for the country’s governance. He did, however, note plans to have U.S. companies develop the country’s oil reserves.

No comments: