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Social media users were left stunned at Vice President JD Vance’s comments on how the U.S. capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro benefits Americans.
It comes after U.S. forces launched several strikes in Caracas on Saturday, January 3, during a covert operation to capture Maduro andhis wife, Cilia Flores.
The Trump administration has defended its actions despite growing concern in Congress, framing the operation as necessary to protect U.S. national security by targeting alleged narco-terrorism and organized crime.
- VP JD Vance stunned Americans by saying capturing Maduro lets the U.S. control Venezuela's rich natural resources.
- The U.S. launched covert strikes in Caracas aiming to capture Maduro and his wife, citing national security reasons.
- Vance claimed the operation shows U.S. military strength and ensures access to affordable energy for Americans.
JD Vance has shocked Americans with his latest comments on Venezuela
Image credits: Tom Brenner-Pool/Getty Images
Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Vance was asked by host Jesse Watters how Maduro’s capture helped the average American.
“First of all, what it means is we’re gonna be able to control the incredible natural resources of Venezuela,” Vance responded.
He said that was good for America in several ways. “It allows us to put leverage on our enemies,” the VP said, adding, “It makes sure that if Americans need high-quality, low-cost power, we’re always going to have access to it.”
Vance also insisted that the operation demonstrated “American military excellence, which makes people afraid to cross us in the future.”
Watters: How does taking out a dictator in Venezuela help the average American?
Vance: It means is we are going to be able to control the incredible natural resources of Venezuela pic.twitter.com/I4Lroiw5Yg
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 8, 2026
“Some of the best ways that you maintain the peace is to make it clear that you carry a very strong sword if you ever need to use it,” Vance added.
With the administration justifying the operation by alleging Maduro was a narco-terrorist responsible for transporting “tons of cocaine” into the U.S., many social media users quickly pointed out that Vance’s viewpoint differed from the official stance.
“I thought this was about drugs getting off American streets. At least now they are being honest about what this was all about,” one user commented.
Another added, “So it’s not about drugs and all about stealing another country’s resources?”
Image credits: XNY/Star Max/GC Images
“So we invaded a sovereign country for their oil?” a third commenter questioned.
Similarly, one user noted, “He’s literally admitting that they wanted to control the oil and crafted an entire narrative pretending it was for the greater good… very problematic.”
One netizen pondered, “I understand that neither the defense of democracy nor the fight against drugs was the reason for this intervention. But openly admitting that the motive was the desire to steal natural resources? That could one day be evidence …”
“They are just coming out in the open that it was never about the drugs and ALL about the oil,” one user added.
Trump canceled a second wave of strikes on Venezuela
Image credits: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Vance’s comments come as Trump was expected to meet with a group of oil industry executives at the White House on Friday.
The president claimed that $100 billion would be invested in “big oil” in a Truth Social post overnight, also announcing that he had canceled a “previously expected second wave of attacks” on Venezuela.
“Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace.’ This is a very important and smart gesture,” Trump wrote.
Image credits: Donald J. Trump
“The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure.
“Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes.
“At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL, all of whom I will be meeting with today at The White House.”
Trump calling off a second wave of attacks comes after the Senate advanced a bipartisan resolution aimed at curbing his ability to conduct further military action in Venezuela without explicit approval from Congress.
Image credits: Matt Cardy/Getty Images
On Thursday, senators voted 52 to 47 on a procedural motion to move forward with the war powers resolution, with five Republicans breaking ranks to join Democrats.
The measure will now proceed to full debate in the Senate and, if approved, will then go to the Republican-controlled House and ultimately make its way to Trump’s desk.
A presidential veto is widely expected if the legislation reaches Trump, and overriding one would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
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