Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) issued a statement following the Trump Administration’s reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In his remarks, Moreno described the event as a turning point for Latin America and drew a distinction between the actions of the current and previous U.S. administrations.
“President Trump today changed the course of Latin America for a generation. By acting in America’s self-defense and self-interest to end the narco-terror organization run by Nicolas Maduro, he eliminated an obvious clear and present danger to our nation. Unlike the inept and incompetent Biden administration, who should have acted when Maduro illegally retained power in 2023, President Trump has shown the world that he will defend and protect American lives,” Moreno said.
He continued: “Maduro and his band of narco-terrorists were directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans, threatened our national security, and unleashed an historic invasion of our Country by criminals.”
Moreno also addressed Venezuela’s role in drug trafficking: “Venezuela served as an air, land, and maritime corridor for transporting deadly poison to the US with the goal of killing American citizens.”
He further warned others in the region: “Maduro protected Colombia’s narco-terrorists. Let them, and anyone in this hemisphere, be on notice that they are next if they aim to harm our nation.”
In closing his statement, Moreno spoke directly to Venezuelans: “To the great and now free people of Venezuela: President Trump seeks peace and America does not wish conflict or war with your nation. It is up to you now to determine your own future and chart a path for prosperity that had seemed so elusive. America stands ready to be a partner and friend.”
