Overview
- Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores appeared in Manhattan federal court and pleaded not guilty to narco‑terrorism and weapons charges.
- In a speech to House Republicans, Trump hailed the operation as “brilliant,” claimed it involved 152 aircraft and no U.S. fatalities, and said many opposing forces, including Cubans, were killed, though casualty accounts are disputed.
- Trump said Maduro had been “imitating” his dance, echoing reporting that the leader’s public displays factored into the administration’s decision to act.
- The president asserted he will control proceeds from selling 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude, casting it as a benefit to both countries.
- Venezuela’s leadership remains contested after Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president, as U.S. lawmakers and communities voiced sharply different views on the raid’s legality and aims.