By SUZANNE DOWNING
The outrage machine from the lunatic Left is at full speed again, and it is powered by historical amnesia.
On Jan. 3, US Delta Force raided Caracas and captured Venezuelan dictator and narco-terrorist Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Within hours, Democrats and their media surrogates were declaring the operation illegal, reckless, colonialist, oil-driven, or some combination of all four. They said Trump had illegally “declared war” on Venezuela.
What they are really declaring is that they have forgotten history, or are hoping Americans have.
Jan. 3 is not an unfamiliar date in American foreign policy.
On Jan. 3, 1990, Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega surrendered to US forces after weeks on the run, hiding in the Vatican’s diplomatic nunciature in Panama City. His capture followed the U.S. invasion of Panama, launched in December 1989 under Operation Just Cause. It took weeks to capture him. It took hours to capture Maduro.
Noriega, like Maduro, was accused of running a narco-state. Like Maduro, Noriega was accused of corrupting democratic institutions. Like Maduro, he was indicted in US federal court. And like Maduro, he was flown to the United States to face justice.
The courts did not freak out and Congress did not implode. Everyone agreed Noriega was a bad guy, an unelected military dictator running Panama through puppet presidents.
Noriega was subsequently convicted on drug trafficking and racketeering charges and sentenced to 40 years in a US prison. Federal courts not only upheld the conviction, they upheld America’s authority to seize a foreign head of state engaged in criminal enterprise against the United States.
This is all settled ground.
Yet today, Democrats are pretending the Maduro operation is unprecedented.
Let’s help them out and review the record they suddenly find so troubling:
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1989: President George H.W. Bush ordered the removal and capture of Noriega.
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2003: President George W. Bush captured Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
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2011: President Barack Obama authorized the mission that killed Osama bin Laden on May 1, 2011, when US Navy SEALs raided his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan
- 2011: President Barack Obama led the US involvement in the NATO-backed intervention in Libya in 2011, supporting the rebels who overthrew Gaddafi, who was captured and killed by his own people.
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2026: President Donald Trump captures Maduro.
Same logic, same justification: Remove criminal regimes that traffic drugs, destabilize regions, and threaten the US and her allies.
Here’s the same Chuck Schumer in 2020, blaming Trump for NOT ending the Maduro regime:
2020. Chuck Schumer criticizes Trump for not bringing an end to the Maduro regime.
Schumer: "The President brags about his Venezuela policy? Give us a break. He hasn't brought an end to the Maduro regime." pic.twitter.com/kMkwSWd0yl
— MAZE (@mazemoore) January 4, 2026
Where was the moral panic when Grenada was invaded? Iraq? Afghanistan? When Osama bin Laden was hunted down and killed, did anyone ? When Saddam Hussein was executed after trial?
The answer is obvious: Those actions were not taken by Trump.
- Former Vice President Kamala Harris has condemned the Maduro capture as unlawful and destabilizing.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Maduro illegitimate but labeled the operation reckless.
- Senators Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine, and Jeanne Shaheen objected on legal or procedural grounds.
- House Democrats like Gregory Meeks and Jim Himes complained about briefings.
- The Congressional Black Caucus denounced the action as an abuse of power.
All predictable. All historically inaccurate.
Even Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was not on board, although she was more careful: ” Late last year, I voted to proceed to debate on two resolutions that would have terminated the escalation of U.S. military operations against Venezuela absent explicit authorization from Congress. I took these votes because I believed the administration failed to provide Congress with the information necessary to fully evaluate the legal basis for these escalating actions. That was true then, and it remains true today.” And then, “The manner in which the United States conducts military operations, as well as the authority under which these operations take place, is important.”
Alaskans may prefer the response of Congressman Nick Begich, who commented, “Last night, the United States acted to execute a lawful arrest warrant against Nicolás Maduro on longstanding criminal charges tied to narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime. This was a powerful and flawless execution of American power and capability. Stability and accountability in the Western Hemisphere are core U.S. national interests. For far too long, criminal networks operating in our own hemisphere have exploited weak governance and corruption. The result has been poisoned streets, overwhelmed borders, and countless American lives lost to fentanyl and other illicit drugs. Thank you to the brave men and women who executed this important mission. Operation Absolute Resolve sends a clear message: the United States will defend its people, enforce its laws, and hold traffickers accountable.”
The capture of Maduro is what we’ve done many times before in living memory and beyond. The legal framework was tested in the Noriega case and survived. The moral framework is that the United States does not grant lifetime immunity to foreign leaders who build criminal empires and flood our country with narcotics.
What we are seeing from the left is Trump Derangement Syndrome dressed up as principle and concern for process, congressional approval, and stability. This is the same rationale they use when they say the US shouldn’t take out narcotics traffickers in the Gulf of America as they bring deadly poison to our shores.
History has already litigated this case.
And once again, Trump is right, and Democrats are wrong.
Suzanne Downing is founder and editor of The Alaska Story and a longtime Alaskan.
31 thoughts on “Lunatic Left ignores history when they accuse Trump of illegally capturing Maduro”
They used a Writ of Habeas arrest-His-Ass
Indeed, Dady’s Little Princess (ie: Lisa) is severely inflicted with the TDS condition.
There’s absolutely ‘no’ hope for her and DJT will live in her head (rent free) for infinity!
Same for so many others just like her … absolutely ‘no’ hope for them either!
As they draw their last breath on earth, their last thought will be DJT!
Rob, you stole my thunder! Poetic justice that in their very last moments on earth, those suffering from TDS will indeed be blabbering “Russia Russia Russia” – “Orange man bad” – “Insurrection Insurrection Insurrection” – and “Epstein Epstein Epstein”…!!!
This brings me much contentment……..
I’m not even sure this is an 80%-20% issue, it’s probably closer to 90%-10% or 95%-5%. Even the good Senator Schumer supported it before he was against it. The left finds themselves defending and supporting high inflation, weaponization of the criminal justice system, illegal aliens, Socialism, tyranny, dictatorship, fascism, islamofascism, terrorism, drug dealers, and murderers. The Average American understands that an illegitimate dictator who has emptied his prisons on to our streets, who floods the world with drugs to support his illegitimate regime, who took part in illegally seizing American companies and their property, who sell their illegal oil to terrorist regimes, who torture and kill disidedents, whose representatives terrorize Americans in America…these people need to be held to account for their actions. Those who do not understand what America First looks like need to open their eyes and see that protecting our borders, and our trade, and our fellow Americans is exactly what America First is, or just admit they are in bed with the small minority of vocal American hating leftists.
Nick, you should know that this invasion was completely NOT lawful, and NO fentanyl comes from Venezuela. Why are you saying otherwise? Trump has now bombed 8 countries since taking office, after campaigning on “no new wars.”
Congress needs to obey the Constitution, not Trump.
Cocaine and Heroin both come from VZ. That is what the fentanyl is mixed with. It is what the 22+ fast boats splashed over the last few months have been loaded with. Consider them chemical munitions and you will be close. Cheers –
agimarc, Grok: “ Virtually none — or effectively 0% — of the heroin entering the United States comes from or directly transits through Venezuela in any significant or measurable way, based on current U.S. government assessments and international data as of early 2026.” ||
“Credible estimates place the percentage of U.S.-incoming cocaine originating from or directly transiting Venezuela at under 10–13%, and likely closer to *single digits in recent years*, with the bulk coming via other routes.” ||
Most of Venezuela’s cocaine goes to Europe, and most of the cocaine transporters who Trump blew up were probably carrying cocaine. Going to Europe.
Most of Venezuela’s cocaine goes to Europe, and most of the cocaine transporters who Trump blew up we’re probably carrying cocaine that was going to Europe. ||
Admiral Bradley, who ordered the infamous double tap strike said that boat was going to rendezvous with a ship that would take the drugs east to the country of Suriname, which is about 400 miles east. From there, it was almost certainly going to Europe. ||
Trump has been murdering human beings who were transporting drugs to Europe, while claiming they are flooding the United States with drugs that are killing “300 million” Americans, which is about the population of the United States. ||
He’s lying, even if we remove some zeros from his number, and the media is complicit, lying as well, covering up for Trump‘s illegal and unconstitutional war crimes that he could possibly be impeached for.
Jeff,
Since you are in the business of defending drug traffickers, now defend the Islamic terrorists that Maduro imported to Venezuela and likely into America. While you’re at it defend all the murders committed by him and his illegitimate government. Please feel free to continue endorsing tyrants who force millions to flee their home country, please sing the praises of socialist dictators who literally live in the lap of luxury while treating other humans as waste.
Steve-O you forgot the TDA gang members and other criminals he exported during the Biden years, so they could spread misery among unsuspecting US residents.
1) Jeff, can you please site the pertinent section of the US Constitution you believe congress is ignoring. Please be specific!
2) It should be noted that many in the international community do not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela. He declared himself the winner when the last election did not go his way. In truth he is much closer to Pablo Escobar.
3) Drug shipments have originated from Venezuela for many years. This is not news. While China is primarily interested in Venezuelan oil, it should be noted that they also are a major manufacturer of fentanyl precursor chemicals and already have ties to Mexico.
4) A not insignificant issue regarding the safety and security of the US presents itself by the Maduro regime providing material support and in-country locations to nations and groups decidedly hostile to the US, namely China, Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. I suppose President Monroe had a point after all.
In the years 2003 to 2023, over One Million Americans died from drug overdoses (CDC). As well, many more millions have turned into criminal addicts and committed destructive actions against property, people, and families.
So I don’t really care if every president kills drug transporters, manufacturers, traffickers, dealers, or kingpins.
If the Democrats want to lie or hide their previous public statements, that (as always) tells me all I need to know about them. If President Obama or Biden had done this Schumer et al would be proclaiming from the rooftops. [BTW, last I read Obama droned and killed more people in undeclared wars than anyone anywhere on the planet, and no Democrat did a thing.]
Now let’s solve the housing shortage…by deporting millions and millions of illegal aliens.
Jeff, you blatantly misrepresent facts to call the Maduro arrest an “invasion.” We all know the smuggling of weapons of mass destruction (drugs) is destroying our republic from within. It creates generations of diminished and damaged American families. Trump is the first president in the modern era to actually hit back at these evil enemies. Why? Well, he’s no politician. He is an accomplished businessman, who unlike most in congress, has no motive to enrich himself by aiding and abetting the likes of Maduro. I suggest you redirect your ire to those corrupt politicians in congress. Trump is the best president for the common American citizen since I can’t remember.
Kamala is the perfect example. Her statement on this operation directly contradicts statements she made about Maduro and Venezuela just a few short years ago.
The saying you shall be known by the company you keep frequently rings true. Iran, Russia, China, Cuba, and North Korea alongside the likes of the good Senator Schumer, the good Representative Hakeem Jeffries, and the good former VP Kamala Harris denounced this action against the illegitimate Maduro.
Let us remember all the drone strikes in the Middle East and Africa under every president in recent memory. The strikes were authorized for a much more nebulous goal of “fighting terrorism”. To my knowledge there has not been a great deal of “push-back” against those strikes and under the Biden administration it was announce they would attempt to minimize “civilian/collateral” casualties. The US has a long and storied past of fighting and apprehending evil dictators and terrorists.
It bears pointing out that Iran and Hezbollah has had a presence in Venezuela since the 1980’s and still maintain terrorist training camps there.
I am really tired of all this knee-jerk automatic complaining simply because it’s Trump.
Alaskans cheering on Trump will not be so happy when millions of new barrels of Venezuelan crude hits the market and prices out the expensive Alaskan stuff. The place might also become a stronger magnet for oil industry capital than Alaska. Lots of cheap crude and close by too.
A couple of things that oil companies find important, first and foremost a politically secure environment, Venezuela does not offer that and they have not offered that. After the government siezure of oil company assets in the 1970’s and the 2000’s and obviously with the current course of events Venezuela does not offer a politically stable environment. Venezuela still owes Conoco and Exxon billions of dollars, add to that the billions required to get the oilfield back into working order and best case scenario would be maybe 7-8 years before any meaningful impact on oil markets. The second important thing is the oil itself, the oil in Venezuela is different than Alaskan oil…it is a completely different product requiring different methods to refine. Venezuelan oil is heavy, sour crude whereas Alaskan oil is light, sweet crude. The price of oil is also a key measure of how oil companies choose to invest, with current prices hovering below $60 per barrel oil companies will likely not see the upside in spending $50-$60 billion dollars to revitalize production in a country with a long history of politically unsettled government that has been prone to seizing oil assets to fund their spending levels.
And do not forget geography. Alaska is positioned to serve Far East Asia while Venezuela is positioned more for the European market. The transportation obstacles of Venezuela give Alaska economic parity in the Pacific Rim.
Well, if you’re a wannabe Dictator, then an invasion of your own is a must have! Maybe we’ve done Venezuelans a favor, but they should be allowed to handle their own internal affairs, just as we would expect.
But since we’ve now done them a big one, I wonder if they might consider doing us one in return.
How very insurrectionist of you Hans. Why do those on the left hate democracy so much?
hans doesn’t see the difference between a raid and an invasion,or just doesn’t know or care, any reason Is enough for his TDS to be triggered
We all have TDS Chucky, except you’re on the opposite end of the derangement spectrum.
And that is as truthful statement for both of y’all.
Country 37 trillion in debt. 2 trillion deficet. Replacement rate 1.6. Percentage of 30 yo who are married and own a home catering under 10%. Decadent and perverse culture and institutions.
Keep on screaming at each other. You deserve each other.
Well, I think you’ve got it backwards there Steve-O. I’m all in favor of Venezuelan having a proper democratic government. What I’m against is the slide in my own country towards autocracy.
You invited a foreign country to come take out the duly elected President of your country
“What I’m against is the slide in my own country towards autocracy.”
Hans this is an interesting claim. Can you back that up? Please be specific!
Just what “favor” are you asking Venezuelans to do for you? Please be specific.
Nothing bad about a little business competition for us
It’ll make US more competitive overall
You can tell Hans works for the government. And likely all his adult life
How many times are we going to have to tolerate this dog and pony show? This is like neocon extra double Christmas.
And every time so many conservatives fall in line. Simply wait and then the predicable reaction to all the troubles ruling foreign lands come to bear and the American people get sick of it- as they should.
I fear not 5 or 10 percent who stay at home next election- but let’s assume it is that on the right and among independents. That is enough to sink the midterms. Trump had the potential of a ruling coalition to hand to a successor and transform this country. Instead he has gone over to the MIGA types and the neocons and has lost a critical part of the coalition. I am filled with disgust with the short term thinking and the lack of an ability to see pattern recognition. This will end in tears as it has every single time.
Good thing I’m not uh ‘MIGA type’ cuz this MAGA person of conviction applauds any effort to extinguish the influx of any debilitating drug into this country. Why not send Kamala, Lisa, Swalwell and Nancy to save the Venzuelans, and perhaps do a bit of work instead of complaining as pontificates?
No tears here,,,MAGA baby!
This is from the Department of State:
(Please note the dates)
Nicolás Maduro Moros became president of Venezuela following Hugo Chavez’s death in 2013 and declared victory in a presidential election in 2018. In 2019, the National Assembly of Venezuela invoked the Venezuelan constitution and declared that Maduro had usurped power and was not the president of Venezuela. Since 2019, more than 50 countries, including the United States, have refused to recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s head of state.
In the July 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, Maduro again declared himself the victor despite evidence to the contrary. The United States joined many other countries in refusing to recognize Maduro as the legitimately elected president in the 2024 contested election.
Maduro helped manage and ultimately lead the Cartel of the Suns, a Venezuelan drug-trafficking organization comprised of high-ranking Venezuelan officials. As he gained power in Venezuela, Maduro participated in a corrupt and violent narco-terrorism conspiracy with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Maduro negotiated multi-ton shipments of FARC-produced cocaine; directed the Cartel of the Suns to provide military-grade weapons to the FARC; coordinated with narcotics traffickers in Honduras and other countries to facilitate large-scale drug trafficking; and solicited assistance from FARC leadership in training an unsanctioned militia group that functioned, in essence, as an armed forces unit for the Cartel of the Suns.
In March 2020, Maduro was charged in the Southern District of New York for narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
After initially offering a reward offer of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Maduro in 2020, the Department of State on January 10, 2025, increased the reward offer to up to $25 million. On August 7, 2025, the Department announced the further increase in the reward offer to up to $50 million after the Department of Treasury sanctioned Cartel of the Suns as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on July 25, 2025. As leader of Cartel of the Suns, Maduro is the first target in the history of the Narcotics Rewards Program with a reward offer exceeding $25 million.
So there was a warrant out for this guy’s arrest since 2020 and it was finally served!