Donald Trump has pulled back the curtain on a secret military operation, releasing striking photos that show him watching the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as it happened.
The images, shared by the White House, place Trump in a secure room alongside senior officials. Screens glow in front of them. Faces are tense. Every detail suggests this was a moment carefully watched from start to finish.
In one photo, CIA Director John Ratcliffe looks fixed on the footage while Trump leans forward, eyes narrowed. In another, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gestures toward a screen as Trump and Ratcliffe listen closely.
Operation Absolute Resolve. pic.twitter.com/KOtW0C0V1O
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026
Trump later confirmed that the operation was monitored live from Mar a Lago. Speaking to Fox News, he described the experience in blunt terms.
“If you would’ve seen the speed, the violence… it was an amazing thing,” he said, adding that he watched it “like a television show.”
That comment alone set the tone for what followed.
Soon after, Trump stepped before reporters to explain the overnight raid. He spoke for more than an hour and was flanked by Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump said the United States will now take control of Venezuela while a transition is worked out. He said Rubio and Hegseth would work together as a “team” with what he called “the people of Venezuela.”
But beyond those words, many details were missing.
Trump said he was not opposed to “boots on the ground,” yet offered no clear answer on whether American troops would stay in the country. He also did not explain how Venezuela would function politically with Maduro in custody.
Rubio addressed criticism head on, defending the decision to move forward without approval from Congress. He argued the operation was necessary and within the administration’s authority.
Military leaders then added new information.
General Dan Caine said the mission was called “Absolute Resolve.” He revealed that 150 aircraft took part, launching from 20 different bases. The scale alone signaled how serious the operation was.
Featured image via X screengrab
