Secretary Rubio reaffirms that the U.S. will defend security in the hemisphere following the capture of Maduro
On January 4, 2026, the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, made statements highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving national and regional security following the recent operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Rubio emphasized that the administration of President Donald Trump is determined to prevent the Western Hemisphere from becoming a safe haven for drug traffickers, hostile groups, or allies of Iran that could threaten the United States.
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Rubio stressed that the action in Venezuela does not constitute a war or a long-term invasion, but rather a targeted effort to end drug trafficking activities and dismantle networks operating against U.S. interests. He noted that, although U.S. forces briefly participated to capture Maduro, there is no intention to install a government directly under U.S. control nor to maintain combat troops in that country.
The official stated that the Trump administration will not allow international actors, such as transnational criminal groups or foreign powers, to use the region as a base of operations against the United States. He affirmed that protecting the Western Hemisphere is a fundamental strategic priority and that all available tools —diplomatic, security, and intelligence— will be used to achieve it.
Rubio also pointed out that the actions in Venezuela seek to benefit both U.S. security and the situation of Venezuelans themselves, focusing on stopping drug trafficking and expelling negative external influences. Although some of these measures do not require congressional approval, he assured that any future action that does require it will be presented to lawmakers in due course.
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