In an unexpected appearance, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro conducted an interview from the driver’s seat of a car, mere days before being apprehended by U.S. authorities.
The conversation, held with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet riding shotgun, revolved around the possibility of Venezuela striking a deal with the United States to address drug trafficking networks that have been linked to his administration.
Aired on Venezuelan state television, the pre-recorded segment showcased Maduro expressing his administration’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the U.S. about a drug trafficking agreement. He emphasized the need for serious discussions backed by solid evidence.
During the broadcast, Maduro asserted, “The U.S. government is aware, as we have communicated with several of their representatives, that we are prepared to seriously negotiate a deal to tackle drug trafficking. Additionally, if the U.S. seeks oil, Venezuela is open to American investment, similar to the arrangement with Chevron, whenever and however they desire.”
Maduro was also seen participating in a rally in Caracas on December 10, as captured in a photograph by Cristian Hernandez for the Associated Press.
“The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready,” he said. “If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it.”
President Donald Trump confirmed early Saturday morning that the U.S. had carried out strikes in Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a meeting at the National Assembly in Caracas Aug. 22, 2025. (Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump later joined “Fox & Friends Weekend” to discuss the operation, which he said he watched from Mar-a-Lago. The president also confirmed that Maduro and his wife were transported to the USS Iwo Jima via helicopter.
Fox News host Griff Jenkins asked Trump, “Before we let you go, though, can you tell us where Maduro and his wife are right this second?”
“Well, they’ll be heading to New York,” Trump said.
Griffin interjected, “Were they taken to a ship first?”
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro greets his supporters during a rally in Caracas Dec. 1, 2025. (Pedro Mattey/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“Yes, the Iwo Jima,” Trump said. “They’ll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out, and they went by helicopter on a nice flight. I’m sure they loved it, but they’ve killed a lot of people.
“Even people in their own country. They killed a lot of people to maintain power. He’s a very vicious person.”
Fox News learned Saturday that Maduro could appear in federal court in New York as soon as Monday.
