In the overnight hours leading into Jan. 3, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured in a strike by U.S. forces in Venezuela. President Donald Trump held a press conference on Saturday and said the United States would run Venezuela at least temporarily. Iowa leaders, lawmakers, and more have taken to social media to share their thoughts following the strike and capture. The following statements come from their accounts on X or other social media pages. Gov. Kim Reynolds”For too long, Americans have suffered because of the dangerous and deadly drugs flooding into our country from Venezuela. The decisive action taken by @POTUS finally brings Maduro to face justice for his crimes and defends our national security. God bless the brave men and women of our military for their service in executing this mission.”Sen. Chuck Grassley“Maduro was a fugitive of American justice and is responsible for killing hundreds of thousands of innocent Americans. The Department of Justice has had a warrant out for Maduro’s arrest since 2020 for his role in trafficking deadly drugs to the United States. Today, President Trump used his constitutional authority to arrest Maduro and save American lives. This action is not without precedent. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush deployed a much larger ground force to capture Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega following his indictment for drug trafficking.”Sen. Joni Ernst”For years, Maduro and his narcoterrorist cartels have illegally trafficked deadly drugs into our country, killing hundreds of thousands of our citizens. President Trump took decisive action to hold him accountable and stand up for American lives. I am grateful for the swift work and precision of our servicemembers and special forces in this operation.”Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks”The capture of Nicolas Maduro marks a pivotal victory in the fight against international narco-terrorism. This illegitimate dictator, who masqueraded as a leader while enabling deadly drug cartels, is finally in U.S. custody. For years, Maduro brutalized his own people, silenced dissent, dismantled democracy, and drove millions into poverty and exile. His regime’s role in flooding our communities with fentanyl has devastated families across Iowa and the nation, claiming far too many American lives. At long last, this brings some justice for the families torn apart by the fentanyl crisis and removes a grave threat to American security. I commend our dedicated troops and law enforcement professionals for executing this swift and precise operation. Under President Trump’s bold direction, we’re sending an unmistakable signal: those who exploit and endanger our citizens will face accountability.”Rep. Ashley Hinson”President Trump doesn’t just talk, he takes action & follows through — as Maduro now knows. It’s long past time for Maduro to be held accountable for drug trafficking & narcoterrorism — which he was indicted for in a U.S. court in 2020. Thank you to our brave troops — and to Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth — for the professionalism and precision that led to the success of Absolute Resolve God Bless our troops.”Rep. Zach Nunn”I applaud the United States and our troops for carrying out a mission sending a clear message: the U.S. will defend its citizens and hold terrorists accountable wherever they hide. Maduro was a narco-terrorist, who took over Venezuela as an illegitimate dictator — his gangs are responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans — he will now face justice. Moving forward, we must ensure this mission remains focused, time-bound, and squarely aligned with U.S. national interests.”Rep. Randy Feenstra”Thank you to President Trump for authorizing the capture of Nicolas Maduro who is a drug trafficker and narco-terrorist. I’m grateful for the bravery of our troops who flawlessly executed this critical mission.”Rita Hart, Iowa Democratic Party Chair”Our brave soldiers in the United States military once again proved they can achieve any military objective they are given. The President’s words this morning make clear this was not a one-off operation. This Administration wants to take over and ‘run’ Venezuela. Our system of government has checks and balances to ensure that the objectives our military is given are necessary and wise. Our courageous soldiers should not be put at risk or asked to enter long-term wars, occupy countries and rebuild governments without the consent of the governed. That’s why our Constitution makes the President Commander-in-Chief and gives Congress the power to declare war. Iowa’s delegation in Washington needs to do its job and provide a check on a war for oil with American boots on the ground.”Get the Facts: Is Venezuela a primary drug trafficker to the United States?The Get the Facts Data Team analyzed data on cocaine and fentanyl trafficking. While Venezuela is a player in cocaine manufacturing and trafficking, drug seizure data shows that it’s not as prominent a supplier of cocaine to the U.S. as other South American and Latin American countries.
In the overnight hours leading into Jan. 3, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured in a strike by U.S. forces in Venezuela.
President Donald Trump held a press conference on Saturday and said the United States would run Venezuela at least temporarily.
Iowa leaders, lawmakers, and more have taken to social media to share their thoughts following the strike and capture. The following statements come from their accounts on X or other social media pages.
“For too long, Americans have suffered because of the dangerous and deadly drugs flooding into our country from Venezuela. The decisive action taken by @POTUS finally brings Maduro to face justice for his crimes and defends our national security. God bless the brave men and women of our military for their service in executing this mission.”
“Maduro was a fugitive of American justice and is responsible for killing hundreds of thousands of innocent Americans. The Department of Justice has had a warrant out for Maduro’s arrest since 2020 for his role in trafficking deadly drugs to the United States. Today, President Trump used his constitutional authority to arrest Maduro and save American lives. This action is not without precedent. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush deployed a much larger ground force to capture Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega following his indictment for drug trafficking.”
“For years, Maduro and his narcoterrorist cartels have illegally trafficked deadly drugs into our country, killing hundreds of thousands of our citizens. President Trump took decisive action to hold him accountable and stand up for American lives. I am grateful for the swift work and precision of our servicemembers and special forces in this operation.”
“The capture of Nicolas Maduro marks a pivotal victory in the fight against international narco-terrorism. This illegitimate dictator, who masqueraded as a leader while enabling deadly drug cartels, is finally in U.S. custody. For years, Maduro brutalized his own people, silenced dissent, dismantled democracy, and drove millions into poverty and exile. His regime’s role in flooding our communities with fentanyl has devastated families across Iowa and the nation, claiming far too many American lives. At long last, this brings some justice for the families torn apart by the fentanyl crisis and removes a grave threat to American security. I commend our dedicated troops and law enforcement professionals for executing this swift and precise operation. Under President Trump’s bold direction, we’re sending an unmistakable signal: those who exploit and endanger our citizens will face accountability.”
“President Trump doesn’t just talk, he takes action & follows through — as Maduro now knows. It’s long past time for Maduro to be held accountable for drug trafficking & narcoterrorism — which he was indicted for in a U.S. court in 2020. Thank you to our brave troops — and to Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth — for the professionalism and precision that led to the success of Absolute Resolve God Bless our troops.”
“I applaud the United States and our troops for carrying out a mission sending a clear message: the U.S. will defend its citizens and hold terrorists accountable wherever they hide. Maduro was a narco-terrorist, who took over Venezuela as an illegitimate dictator — his gangs are responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans — he will now face justice. Moving forward, we must ensure this mission remains focused, time-bound, and squarely aligned with U.S. national interests.”
“Thank you to President Trump for authorizing the capture of Nicolas Maduro who is a drug trafficker and narco-terrorist. I’m grateful for the bravery of our troops who flawlessly executed this critical mission.”
Rita Hart, Iowa Democratic Party Chair
“Our brave soldiers in the United States military once again proved they can achieve any military objective they are given. The President’s words this morning make clear this was not a one-off operation. This Administration wants to take over and ‘run’ Venezuela. Our system of government has checks and balances to ensure that the objectives our military is given are necessary and wise. Our courageous soldiers should not be put at risk or asked to enter long-term wars, occupy countries and rebuild governments without the consent of the governed. That’s why our Constitution makes the President Commander-in-Chief and gives Congress the power to declare war. Iowa’s delegation in Washington needs to do its job and provide a check on a war for oil with American boots on the ground.”
Get the Facts: Is Venezuela a primary drug trafficker to the United States?
The Get the Facts Data Team analyzed data on cocaine and fentanyl trafficking. While Venezuela is a player in cocaine manufacturing and trafficking, drug seizure data shows that it’s not as prominent a supplier of cocaine to the U.S. as other South American and Latin American countries.