U.S. Military Action in Venezuela Marks Strategic Blow Against Global Adversaries

Former Trump administration official Robert Wilkie said on Saturday that the U.S. operation leading to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s capture represented a significant setback for Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran, arguing the move dismantled a growing foreign foothold in the Western Hemisphere and sent a clear warning to hostile powers questioning American resolve.

Wilkie, who served as former undersecretary of defense and former secretary of Veterans Affairs, described the U.S. operation targeting Venezuela as delivering a strategic blow to multiple adversaries aligned with Maduro’s regime. Appearing on The Count, Wilkie framed the development as part of a broader effort to disrupt what he called a coordinated challenge.

“Well, you are certainly right,” Wilkie said. “This is not a good day for China, Iran, Russia, and Cuba. They were all in cahoots with the Maduro regime. Maduro was allowing them to plant their flags on American soil—America writ large in North and South America. He even invited Hezbollah.”

Wilkie cited historical precedent for Trump’s actions, noting that Ronald Reagan famously opposed Soviet efforts to build airfields in Grenada, while George H.W. Bush addressed the drug trafficking operations of Nicaragua’s Manuel Noriega. “The same kind of indictment was handed down on Noriega that the Southern District of New York handed down on Maduro in 2020,” Wilkie said.

“The bigger issue here for the United States and our own security is making sure these bad actors are on notice and their beachhead is removed,” he added.

Wilkie’s comments followed confirmation from President Donald Trump and U.S. officials that a large-scale military operation in Venezuela early Saturday resulted in Maduro’s arrest. According to the administration, Maduro and his wife were flown out of the country and now face U.S. criminal charges, including narcotics-related offenses, as outlined by Attorney General Pam Bondi.

When asked about Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and potential global ripple effects, Wilkie noted the operation could complicate energy access for China, Russia, and Cuba. “Under Biden, Cubans were getting 100,000 barrels of oil a day—almost free. Now it’s down to about 35,000,” he said. “Havana can’t feed its people or even provide water for them.”

Wilkie also linked the Venezuelan operation to the ongoing war in Ukraine, suggesting it underscored a tougher posture toward Moscow. “As for Ukraine, Putin has to know that if he continues to play games with this president—unlike Joe Biden or Barack Obama—it will get worse for him,” Wilkie stated.