Warning shot: Trump addresses Venezuela’s power brokers

January 3 2025

Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Venezuela’s political and military leadership following a US operation in the country.

Speaking at a press conference at Mara Lago Florida USA, President Trump said the operation “should serve as a warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives”.

He warned that US military forces remain on high alert, stating that “the American armada remains poised, in position, and the US retains all military options until the US’s demands have been fully met and fully satisfied”.

Trump further cautioned Venezuelan officials that the consequences could extend beyond President Nicolás Maduro, saying, “All political and military figures in Venezuela should understand that what happened to Maduro could happen to them – and it will happen to them if they aren’t just, fair, even to their people.”

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by the United States government and are en route to New York.