Washington, Jan 3, (NationPress): President Donald Trump revealed that he watched the U.S. military operation that resulted in the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, describing the mission as extraordinary due to its speed and precision.

In an interview with Fox & Friends Weekend shortly after the operation, Trump stated he observed the raid live from Mar-a-Lago. “It was truly an amazing feat, the incredible job these individuals executed. No one else could have accomplished it,” he remarked.

Trump noted that he and his team monitored the operation via live video feeds, including scenes of U.S. forces breaching steel doors. “They smashed through steel doors in seconds,” he stated. “I’ve never witnessed anything like it.”

The President confirmed that no American personnel were killed during the operation, although there were indications that some might have sustained injuries when a helicopter involved in the mission was struck. He refrained from divulging additional details.

Trump affirmed that Maduro and his wife were extracted from Venezuela by helicopter and taken to the USS Iwo Jima, one of several U.S. warships active in the Caribbean. “They’ll be heading to New York,” Trump informed Fox News. “The helicopters transported them, and they enjoyed a pleasant flight. I’m sure they appreciated it.”

According to Fox News, Maduro may make his initial court appearance in federal court in Manhattan as soon as Monday, based on information from sources familiar with the situation. Although the exact timing remains uncertain, the appearance is anticipated to occur “likely Monday,” the network stated.

Attorney General Pam Bondi reiterated that Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York, where they face multiple serious allegations, including narcotics-related crimes.

Trump dismissed the criticism from lawmakers and others who questioned the legality of the U.S. action. In response to comments from Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, the leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Trump referred to Democrats as “weak, foolish individuals.”

“They should be praising the efforts,” Trump remarked. “Instead, they question the constitutionality. You know, the same old rhetoric we’ve been hearing for years.”

Trump also cautioned Venezuelan government officials against continuing their allegiance to Maduro. “If they remain loyal, their future will be dire, really dire,” he warned. “I’d say most of them have shifted their loyalties.” Several high-ranking Venezuelan officials criticized the U.S. operation during state television broadcasts on Saturday.

Individuals familiar with the operation indicated that it involved elite U.S. units. The CIA pinpointed the location where Maduro and his wife were located, and soldiers from U.S. Army Delta Force executed the raid. The CIA also supported air, sea, and land operations as part of what was characterized as a highly covert “snatch and grab” mission.

When asked on Fox News about supporting Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, Trump did not provide immediate endorsement. “We need to evaluate the situation,” he said. “They have a vice president, as you know. I’m unsure about the legitimacy of that election, but Maduro’s election was indeed a disgrace.”

Maduro has faced U.S. criminal charges since 2020, with Washington long accusing his administration of corruption, drug trafficking, and undermining democratic processes, allegations the Venezuelan leadership has consistently denied.