Trump Claims U.S. Will Run Venezuela Until ‘Proper Transition’ Happens

Donald Trump has blindsided the country once again with a sudden military operation in Venezuela. The president approved strikes and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife without asking Congress first.

Trump told reporters that the U.S. will “run” Venezuela until a “safe transition can take place” following the disputed presidential election. The announcement shocked lawmakers and the public, many of whom learned about the action only after it was already underway.

Two U.S. officials familiar with the planning told NBC News that Trump approved the military and law enforcement actions more than a week ago. The operation moved quietly, catching many by surprise.

Trump explained the timing during a phone interview with Fox News. He said the strike was planned days earlier but was delayed due to weather.

“The strike was slated to happen four days ago but the weather was not perfect,” Trump said.

He added more about the delay.

“We had, you know, very good, a little bit few more clouds than we thought, but it was good,” he said. “We waited four days. We were going to do this four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, and then all of a sudden, it opened up, and we said go.”

For months, Trump had hinted at taking action in Venezuela. Last month, he told NBC News, “I don’t rule it out,” when asked if he would go to war. Days before, he announced a blockade of all “sanctioned” oil tankers entering or leaving the country. U.S. forces also seized two oil tankers and continued strikes on boats accused of carrying drugs in the Caribbean Sea.

Maduro tried a different approach just one day before he was captured. On state television, he said the U.S. could work with Venezuela to fight drug trafficking.

“The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready,” Maduro said.

Trump, however, has repeatedly accused Maduro of sending criminals into the United States. In December, he said, “[Maduro] sent us millions of people, many from prisons, many drug dealers, drug lords, uh, mental institution … people in mental institutions. He sent them into our country, where we have a … where we had a very stupid president.”

Democrats were quick to criticize Trump. Rep. Jim Himes said, “Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization.”

Sen. Andy Kim added, “Trump rejected our Constitutionally required approval process for armed conflict because the Administration knows the American people overwhelmingly reject risks pulling our nation into another war.”

Rep. Jim McGovern called it “an unjustified, illegal strike on Venezuela.”

Trump fired back during his Fox News interview, calling Democrats “weak, stupid people.”

“As far as last night is concerned, it was really genius. What they did is genius, and the Democrats, maybe they’ll take a shot, you know? They’ll take a shot. All they do is complain,” Trump said. “They should say, ‘You know what, we did a great job.’ … They do say, ‘Oh, gee, maybe it’s not constitutional.’ You know, the same old stuff that we’ve been hearing for years and years and years.”

Some Republicans defended him. Speaker Mike Johnson said the action was “decisive and justified.” Senate leaders confirmed they were informed only after the operation had begun.

The operation involved the Delta Force and CIA intelligence, allowing U.S. forces to capture Maduro and his wife without major resistance. Trump called it “a brilliant operation, actually,” in a later interview.

Featured image via The Daily Glitch Gallery