U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio today recalled a previous post in which he stressed that Nicolás Maduro is not the president of Venezuela and that his regime is not a legitimate government. “Important information for everyone who says this was ‘illegal.’ Maduro faces multiple charges of narco-terrorism in the United States. You cannot evade justice for drug trafficking in the U.S. simply because you live in a palace in Caracas,” U.S. Vice President JD Vance wrote on social media.
On Saturday night, explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Venezuela’s capital. The Venezuelan government accused the United States of carrying out the attacks. Several hours later, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social that the operation had been successfully conducted by the United States and that Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country. Along with his spouse, Maduro will stand trial before a U.S. court on a series of conspiracy charges, including plots directed against the United States.
Rubio: Maduro is not president, but the head of a cartel
Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, recalled in social media a post from July 2025.
“Maduro is not the president of Venezuela, and his regime is not a legitimate government. Maduro is the head of the Los Soles cartel, a narco-terrorist organization that has taken control of the country. He is charged with trafficking narcotics into the United States,” Rubio wrote.
U.S. Senator Mike Lee said after speaking with Rubio that the Secretary of State “does not foresee further actions in Venezuela” following Maduro’s capture.
Vance: Accountability cannot be avoided
U.S. Vice President JD Vance also weighed in.
“The President offered many solutions, but throughout the entire process he was clear: drug trafficking must end, and stolen oil must return to the United States. Maduro is yet another person who has learned that President Trump means what he says,” Vance wrote, thanking special operations forces for an “impressive operation.”
“And an important note for everyone who says this was ‘illegal.’ Maduro faces numerous narco-terrorism charges in the United States. You cannot escape justice for drug trafficking in the U.S. simply because you live in a palace in Caracas,” the Vice President added.
Kallas: Maduro has no legitimacy to govern
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, reported on social media about a conversation with Rubio and the ambassador in Caracas.
“The European Union has repeatedly taken the position that Maduro has no legitimacy to govern and has defended a peaceful transfer of power. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter must be respected. We call for restraint.”