A group of Cuban-American lawmakers from Florida responded with enthusiasm to the announcement of a U.S. military strike against Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela, alongside reports of the leader's alleged capture with his wife. This news was shared by United States President Donald J. Trump this past Saturday.
Celebrations and Warnings from Cuban-American Congressmen
Republican Congressman Carlos A. Giménez was among the first to express his views, posting on his official social media account: "Maduro has fallen, and Díaz-Canel and Ortega are next. We will meet in a free Venezuela. Our hemisphere will be the hemisphere of freedom!"
Meanwhile, Mario Díaz-Balart described the military operation as "an example of decisive leadership," noting that the action ordered by Trump was in response to an "unprecedented threat" to U.S. national security. In his statement, the legislator highlighted that Maduro's regime has "sent drugs that have killed countless Americans, abducted innocent citizens, and collaborated with U.S. foes such as Iran, China, Russia, Cuba, Hezbollah, and Hamas."
"While others hesitated, President Trump recognized the threat for what it was and acted with determination. All Americans should be grateful to President Trump, Secretary Rubio, Secretary Hegseth, and our heroic Armed Forces," he added.
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar also applauded the end of the "narco-terror imposed by Maduro's regime," emphasizing the leadership of President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "Now it's time for Venezuela's legitimate leaders to restore freedom and rebuild the nation. Tonight, a new cry for freedom echoes throughout the hemisphere: strong, clear, and unstoppable. Long live freedom!" she wrote.
Military Assault and Capture of Nicolás Maduro
President Trump announced on social media that Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and moved out of Venezuela as part of a large-scale military operation against the Chavista regime. The U.S. President is scheduled to hold a press conference at 11:00 a.m. at Mar-a-Lago to provide further details.
Regional reports indicate intense bombing occurred during the early hours of Saturday at Venezuelan military sites, including La Carlota, Fuerte Tiuna, and the Federal Legislative Palace in Caracas. Power outages and communication disruptions were also reported in various parts of the capital and neighboring states.
As of now, there is no independent confirmation from the State Department or the Pentagon regarding the capture of the Chavista leader, but the news has already created significant political ripples throughout the region.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Political Shift
What triggered the U.S. military action against Maduro?
The military action was a response to what was perceived as an "unprecedented threat" from Maduro's regime to U.S. national security, including drug trafficking and alliances with U.S. adversaries.
How have Cuban-American lawmakers reacted to the capture of Maduro?
Cuban-American lawmakers have shown strong support for the action, celebrating it as a victory for freedom and warning that Díaz-Canel and Ortega might be the next leaders to face such consequences.