The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, praised the military operation on Monday that led to the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. He described it as "the most sophisticated raid in the history of the planet" and highlighted the crucial involvement of President Donald Trump.
"I remember when Nicolás Maduro mocked us by saying, 'Here I am, come and get me.' Well, he found out the hard way," stated Hegseth during his visit to Cape Canaveral, Florida, as part of his "Arsenal of Freedom" tour.
The official emphasized that "no other president before Trump would have had the courage to make that call," underscoring the U.S. president's leadership in the military operation that ended the Chavista regime in Venezuela.
According to WCHS-TV 8, while touring the NASA and Blue Origin facilities, Hegseth spoke with entrepreneur Jeff Bezos about advancements in space defense and the role of private industry in the nation's military strategy.
"It doesn't matter whose name is on the side of the rocket; we just want the best," he remarked, referring to the cooperation between the tech sector and the Armed Forces.
Hegseth also defended the Pentagon's policy of "deterrence through strength," asserting that the energy and military dominance promoted by Trump "brings peace abroad and prosperity at home."
In January, Trump shared a video on social media where he recalled the challenge issued by Nicolás Maduro weeks earlier.
"Come for me. I'm waiting here at Miraflores. Don't take too long, coward," Maduro is heard saying in an edited video that responds to a phrase from Marco Rubio: "If you didn't know, now you do."
Key Insights on the U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela
What was the role of President Trump in the operation against Maduro?
President Trump played a decisive role by authorizing the military operation, demonstrating leadership and courage not seen in previous administrations, according to Secretary Hegseth.
How did private companies like Blue Origin contribute to U.S. military strategy?
Companies such as Blue Origin are involved in discussions about space defense advancements, highlighting the collaboration between the private sector and the military to enhance national defense capabilities.