WASHINGTON, January 6, 2026 – U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated on Tuesday that the recent military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro, was designed to disrupt funding for narco-terrorism and secure greater American influence over global energy resources.
In an interview with the Salem News Channel, Vance emphasized that the U.S. prioritizes outcomes beneficial to both Venezuelan and American citizens, but stressed the necessity of alignment with U.S. interests. "Whoever the leader of that country is, is going to have to play ball with the United States," Vance said, criticizing past Venezuelan policies for granting foreign competitors access to inexpensive energy while allegedly using proceeds to support threats against the U.S.
Vance praised the operation as "very important" and "flawless" in execution. He described it as cutting off "that flow of energy money to narcoterrorists," thereby reducing drug imports into the United States. "I think it's going to save lives. It's going to mean cheaper gas and energy prices for Americans. And maybe most importantly, it's going to mean that we have more control over the energy resources that exist in the world, which makes it possible for us, of course, to achieve better economic results for our people, and to use those energy resources as leverage to achieve greater peace and prosperity," he added.
The comments follow President Donald Trump's announcement on January 3 that U.S. forces had conducted "Operation Absolute Resolve," a large-scale military strike capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were subsequently flown to New York to face federal charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and drug trafficking. Trump has pledged temporary U.S. oversight of Venezuela, including rebuilding its oil infrastructure with American companies, to tap into the nation's vast reserves—the world's largest at approximately 303 billion barrels.
Venezuela's oil production has plummeted from peaks of over 3 million barrels per day in the early 2000s to around 900,000-1.1 million recently, due to sanctions, mismanagement, and infrastructure decay under Maduro's regime. Trump stated that major U.S. oil firms would invest billions to restore output, framing it as reclaiming assets allegedly expropriated from American companies decades ago.
The operation began in the early hours of January 3, with U.S. forces bombing military sites, disabling air defenses, and raiding Maduro's residence in Caracas. No U.S. casualties were reported, though Venezuelan sources claimed civilian impacts and deaths. Maduro and Flores were indicted in 2020 on charges of leading a narcotics conspiracy involving multi-ton cocaine shipments, with ties to designated terrorist groups.
Vance's remarks underscore the administration's dual rationale: combating drug trafficking—particularly cocaine, though fentanyl routes are more commonly linked to Mexico—and asserting dominance over energy markets. He noted that prior Venezuelan leadership invited "a whole host of American competitors" into the region, posing national security risks.
Internationally, reactions have been mixed. Allies like Colombia and some European nations have quietly welcomed Maduro's removal, while Russia, China, and Cuba condemned the action as illegal aggression. The UN Security Council convened discussions, with debates focusing on sovereignty violations. Venezuela's interim leadership under acting President Delcy Rodríguez has demanded Maduro's release and mobilized defenses.
Domestically, Republicans largely praised the mission for enforcing justice on an indicted figure and securing strategic assets. Democrats and some isolationist voices questioned the lack of congressional authorization and risks of entanglement. Legal experts debate the operation's compliance with international law, noting absence of UN approval or self-defense claims.
The U.S. has positioned naval assets offshore, signaling readiness for further action if needed. Administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, are engaging oil executives to accelerate investments.
As Maduro faces arraignment in New York, the situation remains fluid. Analysts predict modest short-term oil price impacts but potential long-term supply boosts if stability returns, requiring tens of billions in investment over years.
This operation marks a bold assertion of U.S. hemispheric influence, reviving echoes of the Monroe Doctrine while prioritizing energy security and anti-drug efforts in an era of great-power competition.
