Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday defended the Trump administration’s operation to apprehend Nicolás Maduro, describing the former Venezuelan leader as an “indicted narcoterrorist” and asserting that the United States will not allow the Western Hemisphere to be used as a base of operations for drug trafficking organizations or foreign adversaries.
In a series of television appearances, Rubio said the operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture was limited in scope, did not constitute an invasion, and did not require prior congressional authorization. The White House characterized the action as a targeted law enforcement and national security operation rather than a military campaign against Venezuela.
“There’s not a war. We are at war against drug trafficking organizations — not a war against Venezuela,” Rubio said during one interview, according to a White House summary of his remarks.
Rubio said U.S. forces were on the ground in Venezuela “for about two hours” during the operation and emphasized that the administration does not view the action as an extended military engagement.
“This was not an invasion. This is not an extended military operation,” Rubio said, adding that congressional approval would be sought only for actions that legally require it, with notification provided in other cases.
Rubio repeatedly framed the administration’s actions as part of a broader national security strategy focused on the Western Hemisphere, which he described as an area of direct and immediate concern to the United States.
“This is the Western Hemisphere. This is where we live — and we’re not going to allow the Western Hemisphere to be a base of operation for adversaries, competitors, and rivals of the United States,” Rubio said.
The secretary of state cited drug trafficking, Iranian influence, and Hezbollah activity as primary concerns driving U.S. involvement in Venezuela. He said the administration’s immediate priorities include stopping narcotics flows, removing foreign militant influence, and preventing Venezuela’s oil industry from being used to benefit U.S. adversaries.
“No more drug trafficking. No more Iran, Hezbollah presence there. No more using the oil industry to enrich all our adversaries around the world,” Rubio said.
Rubio also defended the legality and consistency of the administration’s actions by pointing to a longstanding U.S. reward for Maduro’s capture, which originated during the Biden administration.
“In the Biden Administration, they had a $25 million reward for [Maduro’s] capture — so we have a reward for his capture but we’re not going to enforce it?” Rubio said. “That’s the difference between President Trump and everybody else.”
The Trump administration has maintained that Maduro was not the legitimate head of state at the time of his capture. Rubio criticized media outlets that continue to refer to him as Venezuela’s president.
“Maduro is not just an indicted drug trafficker; he was an illegitimate president. He was not the head of state,” Rubio said.
Looking ahead, Rubio said the United States will continue applying pressure on Venezuela until specific changes are made, including curbing drug trafficking and expelling Iranian and Hezbollah influence. He said measures could include continued enforcement of oil sanctions, interdiction of drug shipments, and other actions deemed necessary to protect U.S. interests.
“The number one thing we care about is the safety, security, wellbeing, and prosperity of the United States,” Rubio said.
The White House said the administration is focused on what it described as tangible outcomes rather than public rhetoric, including whether drug flows decrease and whether foreign militant groups are removed from Venezuelan territory.
The operation and the administration’s assertions have drawn international attention and raised questions about U.S. authority, regional stability, and the future of Venezuela’s governance. As of Sunday, the White House had not released additional details about Maduro’s custody or next legal steps.
