Morning Wire – BREAKING: U.S. Captures Venezuelan Dictator Maduro | 1.3.26

Date: January 3, 2026
Hosts: John Bickley, Mary Margaret Olihan
Special Guest Speakers: President Donald Trump (recorded statements)

Episode Overview

This special breaking news episode of Morning Wire covers a dramatic turn in international relations: the United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, in a surprise military operation. The episode details the lead-up to this action, the operation itself, its immediate aftermath, and early global reactions. The stakes are high as the US indicates it will oversee Venezuela’s transition to a new government.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Overview of the Operation

• Timestamp: 00:33 – 01:34
  • President Trump announces that US armed forces conducted a military operation in Caracas, Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
  • Several explosions were heard across Caracas as multiple military and civilian sites were targeted.
  • Key targets included Venezuela’s largest military base, air base, a port, and an airport near Caracas.
  • The operation involved no reported US casualties.

Notable Quote

"Late last night and early today, at my direction, the United States Armed Forces conducted an extraordinary military operation in the capital of Venezuela."
— President Donald Trump [00:33]

2. Details of the Charges Against Maduro & Flores

• Timestamp: 01:34 – 02:56
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi indicted Maduro and Flores in the Southern District of New York.
  • Charges: narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons against the United States.
  • This follows weeks of escalating tension over drug smuggling (especially "drug boats") and oil shipments.
  • The US had seized oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast, heightening the crisis.

"Too little, too late from Maduro, apparently."
— Mary Margaret Olihan [02:56]

3. President Trump’s Address to the Nation

• Timestamp: 03:03 – 04:45
  • Trump emphasized the operation’s success, the lack of US casualties, and that no further strikes are currently planned.
  • Stressed the military’s competence and described this as one of the most effective operations in US history.
  • Framed action as a direct response to narco-terrorism impacting US security.

Notable Quotes

"This was one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history. It was dark and it was deadly. The first attack was so successful, we probably don't have to do a second, but we're prepared."
— President Donald Trump [03:21]

"We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. And it has to be judicious because that's what we're all about..."
— President Donald Trump [04:10]

4. Implications for Venezuela and US Policy in the Americas

• Timestamp: 04:10 – 05:07
  • The US will oversee Venezuela until it can transition to a new government considered legitimate by Washington.
  • Trump referenced the Monroe Doctrine—a cornerstone of US policy in Latin America—and asserted stronger US dominance in the hemisphere.

Notable Quote

"The Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we've superseded it by a lot. By a real lot. They now call it the Don Road Document. ... Under our new national security strategy, American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again."
— President Donald Trump [04:45]

5. International and Regional Reactions

• Timestamp: 05:07 – 06:06
  • Brazil: President Lula da Silva condemned the US action, calling for a strong UN response.
  • China: Officials had met with Maduro hours before the strike; they issued a severe condemnation of US “hegemonic acts.”
  • UN: Initial response labeled the operation a “dangerous precedent,” but stopped short of concrete action.
  • Argentina: Conservative president Javier Milei praised the operation as a victory against narco-terrorism.
  • Venezuelan Opposition: Maria Carino Machado, in exile, released a celebratory statement:

    "The hour of liberty has arrived."

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Trump on US Military Power:
  “...one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.” [03:21]
• Monroe Doctrine Reimagined:
  “They now call it the Don Road Document. ...American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again.” [04:45]
• Venezuelan Opposition Celebrates:
  “The hour of liberty has arrived.” — Maria Carino Machado [approx. 06:00]

Important Timestamps

• US Strikes Announced: 00:33 – 01:34
• Indictment Charges Explained: 01:34 – 02:56
• Trump Press Conference: 03:03 – 04:45
• Reassertion of Monroe Doctrine: 04:45 – 05:07
• Global Reactions: 05:07 – 06:06

Tone & Style

The hosts deliver the news with urgency and gravity, underscoring both the surprise and importance of the US action. The episode is fact-driven, highlighting official statements and developments, while also noting potential consequences and evolving reactions in the region and beyond.

Conclusion

This historic episode covers the US capture of Nicolás Maduro, presenting a landmark shift in US-Latin American relations and the US fight against narco-terrorism. The international community appears deeply divided on the operation, with some hailing it and others warning of precedent and overreach. Morning Wire promises continued coverage as the situation develops.

For further updates, listeners are directed to DailyWire.com.