Trump claims Venezuela president Nicolás Maduro captured after Caracas explosions: full statement
President Donald Trump says Nicolás Maduro and his wife were flown out of Venezuela, hours after explosions hit the capital.
US President Donald Trump claimed that Nicolás Maduro, the president of Venezuela, and his wife have been “captured and flown out of the country,” hours after explosions rocked Caracas, the Venezuelan capital.
A news conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Mar-a-Lago, where more details are expected to emerge.
BREAKING: President Trump says American troops captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife and flew them out of the country pic.twitter.com/3IqBcYmVpe
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) January 3, 2026
Trump’s full post on Truth Social
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.
“This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Maduro declares state of emergency
Maduro accused Washington of a “grave military aggression” and declared a nationwide state of emergency after several detonations were reported in Caracas before dawn.
The Venezuelan government described the incidents as a “very serious military aggression” by the United States, saying both civilian and military sites were hit in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, as well as in Caracas. Officials said they ordered the deployment of the nation’s comprehensive defense command.
In response, Maduro declared a state of external emergency across the country. In a statement, the executive branch said the president signed a decree to activate the measure to “protect the rights of the population, ensure the full functioning of republican institutions and move immediately to armed defense.”
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