Jeanette Rubio was unaware that the United States was on the brink of launching the operation that would lead to Nicolás Maduro's capture in Venezuela. Yet, at home, there were enough clues to suggest that something extraordinary was unfolding.
In an interview at the State Department with her husband, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jeanette recounted her experiences leading up to the U.S. operation on January 3rd, speaking with Katie Miller.
"I sensed something was happening," Jeanette confessed when Miller inquired about those days within the family's private life.
Unusual Behavior at Home
The signs were evident in Rubio's behavior. "He was constantly coming and going. We didn't do anything during the holidays," she shared. "I knew something was up, but I wasn't sure what."
While Jeanette noticed these signs, the United States was finalizing a meticulously planned operation that had been in the works for months.
Inside "Operation Absolute Resolution"
Dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolution," this mission was the culmination of extensive planning, rehearsals, and intelligence work to track Maduro's movements. The final go-ahead was given on the night of January 2nd, when Donald Trump authorized the mission from Mar-a-Lago.
Secretary of State Rubio was alongside Trump and other top officials, including Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, as they monitored the operation's progress in real-time from a makeshift situation room at the president's Florida residence.
Just hours later, the U.S. deployment in Venezuela successfully captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were then transported to New York to face federal charges.
A Family's Inside View
The recent interview provides a unique glimpse into those days from the perspective of a family directly linked to the operation. Jeanette explained that significant events are perceptible through her husband's work rhythm.
"I can tell something is going on just by how busy he is. I see him on the phone, deep in thought," she explained.
Despite the tension, she assured that Rubio remains composed even in high-pressure situations. "I would say he's calm and collected," she noted.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Operation and Its Impact
What was "Operation Absolute Resolution"?
"Operation Absolute Resolution" was a meticulously planned U.S. mission aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro, involving extensive preparation, rehearsals, and intelligence work.
How did the U.S. manage to capture Nicolás Maduro?
The U.S. executed a carefully orchestrated deployment in Venezuela, authorized by Donald Trump, which culminated in the successful capture of Maduro and his transportation to the United States.
Who monitored the operation from the U.S. side?
Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, and John Ratcliffe, among others, monitored the operation's progress from a situation room at Mar-a-Lago.