Trump Claims U.S. Used Secret Weapon in Venezuelan Operation

President Donald Trump revealed that the United States employed a classified device, referred to as “The Discombobulator,” to disable Venezuelan military equipment during the operation that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. In a recent interview with the New York Post, Trump characterized the device as instrumental in thwarting Maduro’s defenses.

Trump described how the weapon rendered Venezuelan rockets inoperable, stating, “They never got their rockets off. They had Russian and Chinese rockets, and they never got one off.” He claimed that U.S. forces were able to execute the operation without encountering significant resistance, noting that Venezuelan personnel were unable to use their equipment despite being prepared for a confrontation.

Military Strategy Against Drug Cartels

The president further indicated that the U.S. military campaign would not be limited to South America. He reiterated his intent to target drug cartels in North America, declaring, “We know their routes. We know everything about them.” Trump mentioned the possibility of conducting strikes beyond Central America and into Mexico, stating, “Could be anywhere.”

On the same day, the U.S. military conducted a strike against an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This action followed a series of at least 36 strikes against boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since early September, resulting in over 117 fatalities. Trump’s administration has also reported the seizure of oil from seven tankers associated with Venezuela, although he declined to disclose their current location, stating, “I’m not allowed to tell you. But let’s put it this way, they don’t have any oil. We take the oil.”

International Relations and Domestic Issues

In addition to military matters, Trump discussed receiving a Nobel Peace Prize from Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. He mentioned that the prize was still finding its place in the Oval Office, currently leaning against a statue. This gesture highlights the ongoing political dynamics surrounding Venezuela and its leadership.

Trump also touched upon his discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte regarding an Arctic security arrangement, which he claimed would grant the U.S. ownership of land where American military bases are situated. However, the specifics of this potential deal remain unclear, with leaders from Denmark and Greenland asserting that the island’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.

In a lighter note, Trump expressed his discontent with the upcoming Super Bowl, criticizing the choice of performers, including Bad Bunny and Green Day, calling it a “terrible choice.” He attended the previous year’s Super Bowl held in New Orleans.

As these developments unfold, the implications for U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Venezuela and drug cartels, are likely to resonate both domestically and internationally.