U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, addressed the Senate following a classified briefing regarding the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Barrasso commended the operation that led to Maduro’s capture, describing it as a significant law enforcement achievement.
“Our country has carried out one of the boldest law enforcement operations in decades. We should celebrate it. This administration had the courage to do what was right and what needed to be done. America, Venezuela, and the world are safer because of it,” Barrasso said.
He detailed that “Operation Absolute Resolve was conducted for one reason: to bring to justice a murderous dictator and indicted drug trafficker. Maduro is an outlaw. The Trump administration indicted him in 2020 on drug trafficking charges. President Trump put a $15 million bounty on him. The Biden administration agreed. They increased that bounty to $25 million.”
Barrasso also noted bipartisan agreement over time not to recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, with several U.S. allies sharing this view. He stated, “Yet only America had the resolve and the resources to bring Maduro to justice. No American lives were lost. It was a textbook example of Peace through Strength.”
He pointed out international connections by stating that countries such as China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, and Hezbollah have supported Maduro’s regime: “Communist China was buying half a million barrels of oil each and every day from Venezuela. In exchange for that oil, China has loaned Venezuela $106 billion this century.” Barrasso said that just before his arrest, Maduro met with Chinese officials in Caracas.
The senator also referenced public demonstrations in Venezuela and Iran against dictatorial governments: “All around the world, people are seeing the failure of dictatorships. That is why Venezuelans are celebrating in the streets today.”
Barrasso criticized some Democratic senators for their response to Maduro’s arrest: “There are Democrats in this chamber who are using the arrest of Nicolas Maduro not to advance American interest, but to attack President Trump… It does not make America stronger. It makes America weaker and less safe.”
He recalled past statements from Democratic leaders supporting action against Maduro but noted recent criticism from them regarding the operation: “Democrats know absolutely that President Trump did the absolute right thing. They prefer to play politics instead.”
Barrasso concluded by emphasizing public safety benefits: “This arrest will save thousands of American lives – lives that would have been lost due to Maduro’s drug trafficking,” he said.
“On Saturday, President Trump took bold action to protect the citizens of this country. We should celebrate the success in Venezuela and take great pride in the brave men and women who carried out the successful mission. Republicans will continue to stand on the side of safety, security, and peace through strength.”
