America did what too many in Washington only talk about and refused to do — it went after a brutal, narco-terrorist regime that preyed on its own people and trafficked poison into our streets. In a daring, surgical operation on January 3, 2026, U.S. forces removed Nicolás Maduro from power and brought him into custody, ending years of tyranny and corruption.

This was not a stunt; it was a painstakingly planned mission involving special operations forces and coordinated strikes to neutralize air defenses and secure the target. The images of Maduro blindfolded on a flight to U.S. jurisdiction are a righteous humiliation for a man who long ago put himself above any rule of law.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been unapologetic and clear about why the mission was necessary, walking the American people through the decisions that saved lives and reclaimed American credibility on the world stage. As the man trusted to lead our military, Hegseth explained the legal and moral case for acting — and he did it with the grit and resolve Americans expect from a commander-in-chief’s team.

Make no mistake: this was law enforcement and national security in one. The Trump administration has long accused Maduro of running a narco-state and the U.S. produced indictments for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism; bringing him to face charges in New York is justice for both Venezuelans and Americans harmed by his criminal enterprise. Conservatives should celebrate the restoration of accountability where corrupt regimes were once untouchable.

The predictable chorus of outrage from the usual international suspects does not change the truth. Rogue regimes like Cuba and Russia howl when their allies are finally held to account, and left-wing critics at home try to weaponize legalisms to shield dictators. Americans who love liberty should be louder: we stand for oppressed peoples, we stand against cartels, and we will not be lectured by enemies of freedom.

There will be hard work ahead rebuilding Venezuela’s institutions and stabilizing the region, and yes — energy security and access to resources factor into any credible plan to lift Venezuelans out of kleptocratic ruin. The temporary stewardship promised by the administration is about creating conditions for honest elections and ending the tyrant’s grip so Venezuelans can reclaim their nation. This is the kind of forward strategy conservative patriots should demand: strong, pragmatic, and oriented toward liberty.

Now is the moment for conservatives to coalesce behind strength and accountability, not to get lost in performative hand-wringing. If critics try to undermine our armed forces or politicize this operation, remember that weak excuses from the left cost lives and allowed Maduro’s criminal networks to flourish for years. Stand with the men and women who executed a difficult mission, stand with leaders who act to protect American security, and insist Congress provide sober oversight without falling prey to the hollow outrage of the anti-American media.