US AG Bondi Says Maduro Will Face ‘Full Wrath’ of American Justice/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi says Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will soon face trial in American courts. Bondi cited a 2020 U.S. federal indictment charging Maduro with narco‑terrorism and weapons offenses. The Trump administration notified congressional and global allies after the operation to detain Maduro in Venezuela.
U.S. Justice Chiefs Promise Maduro Trial: Quick Look
- Pam Bondi says Maduro will face “full wrath” of U.S. justice on American soil.
- Maduro charged with narco‑terrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons conspiracy in 2020.
- Trump administration notified congressional leadership of the operation post‑strike.
- Article II authority cited by U.S. officials as legal basis for detention.
- Colombia was not notified in advance of the capture operation.
- Journalists in Caracas reported explosions, low‑flying aircraft, and street fear.
- Russia demands clarification and calls the U.S. move a sovereignty violation.
- European leaders urge respect for international law and restraint.
Deep Look: US AG Bondi Says Maduro Will Face ‘Full Wrath’ of American Justice
WASHINGTON / CARACAS — U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will “soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil” after his capture during a U.S. military operation in Venezuela.
Bondi made the remarks on social media shortly after the dramatic announcement that Maduro had been detained following U.S. strikes in Caracas. She referenced a federal indictment from 2020 charging Maduro with a string of crimes, including narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices against the United States.
“President Nicolás Maduro will face justice in the United States,” Bondi wrote. She thanked President Donald Trump, the U.S. military, and U.S. law enforcement for what she described as a “highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers,” referring to Maduro and his wife.
Bondi’s statement comes amid uncertainty over Maduro’s exact whereabouts, though U.S. officials indicated he was being taken to the United States to face the charges. Maduro — who has denied wrongdoing — was last seen publicly in late 2025 in Caracas.
U.S. Notifies Congress After Maduro Operation
Instead of notifying lawmakers beforehand, the Trump administration began informing congressional leadership and key defense committees after the operation, according to U.S. sources. Officials pointed to Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which designates the president as commander‑in‑chief, as legal justification for the action without prior congressional approval.
Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said Secretary of State Marco Rubio told him the operation aimed to protect U.S. personnel tasked with detaining Maduro and that it fell within Trump’s constitutional authority.
Previous U.S. military operations typically involved notifying congressional leaders beforehand, but in this case, lawmakers were briefed only after the action was complete.
Colombia Not Informed Before Operation
A Colombian source told CNN that Colombia did not receive advance notice of the U.S. operation to capture Maduro, though Bogotá was aware that Washington had discussed potential plans.
According to the source, Colombia did not know when or how the operation would occur. Colombian forces were reportedly mobilized near the Venezuelan border in response, partly to provide humanitarian support and partly to contain ELN guerrillas, who have opposed U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Colombia — historically one of Washington’s closest regional allies on security — has urged negotiated solutions for Venezuela’s crisis but maintains a policy of noninterference.
Explosions and Chaos in Caracas
Journalists in Caracas reported waking up to “loud noises,” “detonations,” and aircraft flying overhead early Saturday as the U.S. strike unfolded. Smoke and explosions were seen throughout parts of the capital, and many residents fled into the streets in confusion and fear.
State media showed unusually empty streets later in the morning, as residents remained cautious after the violent early‑morning assault.
Russia Demands Clarification
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement demanding “immediate clarification” on U.S. claims that Maduro was captured and expelled from Venezuela. Russia described the acts as a potential violation of Venezuelan sovereignty and “unacceptable” under international law.
Moscow had previously condemned the U.S. strikes as “armed aggression” and dismissed U.S. justifications as untenable.
European Leaders Call for Restraint
European officials also weighed in. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and urged all parties to respect international law and the U.N. Charter. Other European ministers reported monitoring the situation and ensuring the safety of their citizens abroad.
Analysis
The international response highlights deep divisions over the legality and consequences of the U.S. action in Venezuela. Critics argue the strikes and capture of a sitting head of state without a clear U.N. mandate or congressional authorization could set a dangerous global precedent. Supporters say Maduro’s alleged involvement in international drug trafficking and narco‑terrorism justified decisive action.
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